15 Ways to Help Your Child Understand and Cope with Bullying
Bullying can be an incredibly challenging experience for any child to face. As a parent, it’s crucial to have open, supportive conversations to help your child navigate these difficult situations.
Knowing what to say and how to say it can make all the difference. Offering understanding, advice, and reassurance helps your child feel safe, heard, and empowered.
Here are 15 things you can say to your child when talking about bullying, designed to foster trust, build confidence, and guide them through this tough experience.
“I’m Here to Listen”
Start by letting your child know that you’re there for them, without judgment. Create a safe space where they can talk openly about their feelings.
This reassures them that they have your full attention and support.
“It’s Not Your Fault”
Reinforce that being bullied is never their fault, no matter the circumstances. Children may internalize blame, so it’s important to relieve them of that burden.
Make it clear that no one deserves to be bullied.
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“Tell Me What Happened”
Encourage your child to describe the situation in their own words. Let them lead the conversation and explain what’s been happening.
This gives them the space to express their feelings while providing you with the information you need to help.
“You Are Not Alone”
Reassure your child that many kids go through bullying, and they’re not the only ones. It’s comforting for them to know that others have faced similar situations and have overcome them.
This normalizes their experience and helps them feel less isolated.
“It’s Okay to Feel Upset”
Validate their emotions by acknowledging that it’s normal to feel hurt, sad, or angry. Let them know that all of their feelings are valid and understandable.
Emotional validation encourages them to express their feelings rather than bottle them up.
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“Let’s Think About How to Respond”
Discuss possible ways they can respond to the bullying situation. Whether it’s standing up for themselves, avoiding the bully, or asking for help, brainstorming solutions empowers them to take control.
This helps them feel prepared and confident about their next steps.
“What Do You Need From Me?”
Ask your child what kind of support they’re looking for, whether it’s advice, intervention, or just a listening ear. This allows them to voice their needs and gives them a sense of control over how you help.
It shows that you’re there to support them in the way they feel is best.
“We Will Get Through This Together”
Reassure your child that they don’t have to face this alone—you’re with them every step of the way. This reinforces the idea that they have a support system and can lean on you for help.
It strengthens their sense of security.
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“It’s Important to Tell a Teacher or Adult”
Explain the importance of reporting bullying to a trusted adult, whether it’s a teacher, school counselor, or another figure of authority. Make sure they know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a smart way to resolve the situation.
Encouraging them to reach out empowers them to advocate for themselves.
“Bullying Says More About the Bully Than You”
Help your child understand that bullying often stems from the bully’s own insecurities or issues. This shifts the focus away from their own self-worth and places it on the bully’s behavior.
It can help them see that the problem isn’t about them, but the person doing the bullying.
“You Have the Right to Feel Safe”
Make it clear that they deserve to feel safe and respected wherever they are—school, home, or anywhere else. Affirming their right to safety reinforces their self-worth and the importance of taking action.
It also helps them recognize when something is not okay.
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“Let’s Practice What You Could Say”
Role-playing scenarios can help your child practice how to respond to a bully with confidence. By rehearsing possible responses, they’ll feel more prepared to handle real-life situations.
It boosts their self-assurance and readiness.
“You Are Strong and Brave”
Encourage your child by reminding them of their inner strength and courage. Facing bullying can feel overwhelming, but affirming their resilience helps them feel capable of handling it.
Positive reinforcement builds their confidence.
“It’s Okay to Walk Away”
Let your child know that walking away from a bully doesn’t mean they’re weak. In fact, it’s often the smartest choice to remove themselves from a harmful situation.
This strategy helps them avoid escalation while maintaining their dignity.
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“We’ll Work Through This Together Until It Gets Better”
Ensure your child that you’ll continue to support them until the bullying stops. Knowing that you’ll be there for the long haul reassures them that the situation is not permanent.
This gives them hope and a sense of control over their future.
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