For Parents

What Can Parents/Guardians Do…

If Your Child is Bullied at School

• Take a breath, relax - it’s important that you approach the situation with an open mind 
• Ask questions, gain information from your child, listen to and support your child
  • Name all those involved.
  • How long has it happened?
  • Who did you tell?
  • What did they do?
• Begin communication with the school - talk to your child’s teacher
• Take action by offering your child positive strategies
• If the problem continues, immediately report the incident to the Principal (or Manager of Non-Instructional School Services) 
• If there is no response, contact the regional office and the District’s bullying hotline (215) 400-SAFE
• Seek professional assistance for your child, if necessary

What DOESN’T Work

• Encouraging your child to fight back
• Blaming the school/teacher
• Encouraging your child to ignore it
• Approaching the child who is bullying  Did you know…Olweus’ study shows bullies identified by age eight are four times more likely to be convicted of a crime by the age of 24 and five times more likely than non-bullies to have serious criminal records by the age of 30?

If Your Child Bullies Others at School?

• Communicate directly to your child:
  • I know you have been involved in bullying
  • Bullying is a serious behavior that is hurtful to others
  • Additional bullying behavior will not be tolerated
  • I am working with your school to monitor your future behavior and/or activities
  • Bullying may result in suspension, expulsion, and possible criminal charges
• Impose sanctions at home for bullying
• Maintain open communication with school staff
• Monitor your child’s activities and peer group
• Help your child develop positive behavior patterns
• Seek professional assistance for your child, if necessary

What DOESN’T Work

• Blaming the victim
• Ignoring the problem
• Protecting your child from consequences
• Denial
  

Always look for warning signs that may tell you if your child is being bullied or bullying someone else. 

View a list of common warning signs here.