Bullying

Bullying is NOT okay. At its most serious it can lead to health problems, depression, even suicide. Be sure your child or teenager knows that being bullied, or bullying, is never right.

Bullying is not just about hitting or pushing. It may include name-calling, threats or writing nasty comments about someone, including by mobile phone or email. It may include excluding someone from activities, stealing and/or damaging their things.

If you are worried about bullying or being bullied, call Youthline  0800 376 633 or visit the New Zealand Police webpage on bullying.

Helpful tips

• Bullying can occur at any age through primary or secondary school.
• If your child is being bullied make sure they know it is wrong and not their fault.
• Be supportive. Talk about how to handle the problem.
• Tell them to ignore the bully and walk away. They should tell an adult or friend every time it happens.
• For mobile phone text or email bullying, tell your child not to reply. Keep a record of their messages or change their phone number.
• At school, discuss the problem with the principal, guidance counsellor or dean.
• If your child or teenager is doing the bullying, or is accused of bullying, talk to them about it. Ask them what happened and why. Try and help them to think about how the other person feels. Ask about their own feelings. Are they angry, or scared, or tagging along with what someone else is doing? It may be appropriate to talk about how they can control their own feelings or anger in better ways. Set clear expectations and guidelines. Make sure you acknowledge success.