Teen Bullying – What can a parent do?

Teen bully is a problem that many see only after it’s too late.

Schools are often ineffective at dealing with bullying, simply because of the complex issues involved, lack of time and pressures of mass management.

Teen bullying can take the form of physical abuse, verbal abuse and even sexual abuse.   A teen will be singled out by another student or a group of students because of difference in race, religion, orientation, style, speech, status or another other reason where the teen is perceived not to fit in.

Teens may not readily share that they are being bullied because of embarrassment. This is why it’s extremely important that parents maintain a close emotional bond with their teenagers and they remain a friend and good listener throughout childhood and the teen years.

 Teens often feel embarrassed by the bullying situation and do not want a parent to confront a teacher or principle. What tools can you give your teen to deal with a bullying situation?

     Your teen should have strong self confidence. Many adults admit that a bully at least attempted to bully them when they were younger. Those with high self confidence were able to put a bully in his or her place and they are not bothered again. A bully targets those who seem different and fearful or willing to back down to the bully’s behavior and strength. If a  teen is unable to fend off a bully, it can lead to perpetual and even serial bullying. I have suggested before to always build your teen’s self esteem with affirmations and open-hearted discussions, and there are certain guidelines that a school will ask you to follow in this situation. But if this bullying cannot be remedied, then the teen should be taken out of school and given the freedom to enjoy life outside the walls the school environment. Today there are many options available to teenagers for academic studies outside the school walls including co-ops, online learning, and distance education classes. Many community colleges across the country now accept teens as young 14 for college classes.  There are many choices available, and being independently educated allows your teen to retain their close friends from school while working through studies at his or her own pace in addition to having more free time. What teen could resist? There is absolutely no reason for a teen to continue to be a victim of a bully when real life is waiting to begin outside the school environment.

In real life, there are no bullies. When you are uncomfortable around someone or are with someone who mistreats you, you do not engage that person further. In a work situation, bullied is labeled as harassment and it’s against the law (and even worth money in court). I strongly disagree with anyone who says that bullying is a natural part of growing up and makes kids stronger. No teen should be bullied. We are all equals and you as a parent have options!

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Mellisa's Personal Recommendation your Teen will love: Teen Self Esteem CD to build your teen's self esteem or try our 3 Pack CD set to help with Stress Management of being bullied, build your teen's self esteem and our Teen Success CD which helps with goal planning and succeeding in all areas of life!