1.  Ask your child what is going on if you suspect that bullying is occurring.  Find out the name or names of the others involved and the details of what happened.

2.  Don’t assume or imply that your child did anything to instigate the bullying.

3. Don’t try and fix the situation.  Instead, talk with your child about strategies to use when the bullying occurs.  Ask questions like:  “What do you think you could say the next time this person says …..?

4.  Don’t tell you child to ignore the bullying or to “toughen up.”  These are not strategies that will prevent future incidents.

5.  Don’t tell your child to retaliate.

6.  Keep a detailed log of any incidents and print out copies of online messages on Facebook, texts or emails.  Monitor your child’s online activity. (Link to section on cyberbullying.)

7.  If you feel your child is not safe physically and is at high risk of physical harm, take immediate action to protect your child’s safety.  If the bullying is occurring on the way to or home from school, either take your child to school or make arrangements for another adult to take your child to school.

8.  If you suspect your child is being bullied but your child won’t talk to you about what is going on, seek out another adult they can talk to  an aunt, uncle, grandparent, family friend, school counselor or therapist.