Be a W.I.N.N.E.R. Conquer Bullying

Parent/Grandparent Strategies

Parent/Grandparent Strategies Which May Be Helpful:

Share a story with your child or grandchild about a time you experienced bullying. This may encourage them to share their own story about bullying.

Let the young person know that you take bullying seriously. Sympathize, show concern, and ask for more information. Reassure them that this is not their fault, and that telling a trusted adult is a good thing to do.

If you can, get to the real stuff. For example, "It seems your having some trouble. I'm here to help. Tell me what happened."

If you think your youth, or one you know, is a bully, talk with them about how wrong and hurtful bullying is. What if they were at the end of those words or deeds. Hold them accountable, but remember to praise them when they show kindness and respect to others. Model that behavior yourself.

Encourage a young person to respond assertively to a bullying situation by saying something like: "No, stop!"; "That is rude!"; or "What you are doing is called bullying. Stop it!".

Assertively respond to a friend who is being a bully. You can use a 'why' question to begin a conversation about bullying.

Try to make sure that an adult follows up to confirm that the bullying stops and continues to monitor the situation,

If your child or grandchild is a bystander, encourage them to stand up for the person being bullied. Also try to befriend the youth being bullied.

Take a time-out with your technology during meal-time or other appropriate times, so you can talk to your kid, and be able to tell if something is wrong.

Standing up to people is hard, especially when you feel they have all the power, but it will be worth it in the end, and you'll feel better after.

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No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.