Childhood should be full of laughter and fun. An observant, involved parent can do much to help protect his or her child from bullying. With a little work and dedication, you can help bully-proof your child's life.

Statistics state that fifteen to twenty percent of the children in America are affected by bullying, either as a victim or a bully. Putting numbers to it, that is fifteen to twenty of every one-hundred children. Most of our children don't know how to handle a bad situation and are uncertain how to respond. Early training and parents who demonstrate respect are helpful in teaching a child not to become a bully. It is a little more difficult to teach them how to deal with a bully.

The many forms of bullying, from name-calling to physical abuse, hurt the child being bullied and should not be brushed aside. All forms of bullying have a victim. Address the problem with your child. If the bullying is persistent, adult intervention is necessary. In extreme circumstances, changing schools may be necessary.

The actions the parents take should depend on the level of severity. If the bullying is verbal, the child should be taught to look them in the eye with an air of confidence and tell the bully to leave him alone. Role-play this technique to help the victim recall what to do. Teach the victim that he has rights and that he needs to stand up for himself. If he can, team up with a friend and try to avoid being alone with the bully, In fact, avoiding contact with the bully altogether is another tact the child can try. Whenever possible, the child should learn to deal with the bully on their own because, often, no one else that can help them will be there.

One of the worst things a parent can do is call the home of the bully. One of two results are likely; either the bully will be punished, making him or her angrier, or the parents will not believe you but they will tell the bully about the call opening up the road for new, worse taunting. There is a time when involving adults does become imperative.

When the bullying has gone beyond words, it is time to involve other adults. If it is happening at school, find out when and where the bullying is happening. Have a meeting with the victim's teacher and the principal of the school. Most schools have a bullying policy and a plan should be in place to protect potential victims. The odds are that the bully has more than one victim. Do keep in mind that teachers cannot be everywhere at one time and overhear every conversation. Awareness of a bullying situation can be helpful in eliminating it.

What shouldn't a parent do? Avoidance is better than solving this problem.. Put the computer in an open area where you will be frequently. Keep an idea on where your child is going online. Chat rooms and similar sites should be avoided. Keep an eye the attitude of your child and watch for any indications that life is becoming stressful. Bullying may be the problem.

Teach your child that their value is not connected to what others say to them or think about them. A good self-concept will benefit them in many ways, including when they have to deal with bullying.

A few rules can cut down on cyberbullying. Never give out your passwords because kids share this information among themselves and it may be impossible to know who may use it to cyberbully someone from your account.

Only give email addresses or phone numbers to friends.

If cyberbullying becomes vicious and threatening, report it to the police.

The best way to avoid bullying is to be proactive and teach your child about dealing with bullies before they ever meet one. If the bully is already present, these techniques should be a good way to start the conversation that puts it to an end.

Learn more about this author, Joan Collins.
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