I think my child is being bullied at school - what should I do about it?

Every day, tens of thousands on children in the UK are subjected to bullying at school.

Many children are fortunate enough never to be on the receiving end of this cruel behaviour but most kids will experience it at some point in their school lives.

As a parent, it's important to know what to do if you think your child is being bullied. With this in mind, the four key steps you should take are as follows:

Talk to him
You must try to get your child to talk to you (or someone else if they prefer) about what's going on and how they're feeling. Listen to what they have to say and remind them that you're always there to give advice and support.

Contact the school immediately
If the bullying is taking place at school you must contact the headmaster or headmistress immediately. Don't wait a few weeks or even a few days. Bulling must be addressed without delay otherwise it can quickly escalate. Most schools will take any report of bullying very seriously and act promptly. However, if you feel your child's school isn't doing enough, make it clear that you will take the matter further if the situation isn't resolved in a satisfactory manner.

Reassurance
Many children think it's their own fault that they're being bullied. They believe there must be a reason why the bully has singled them out and as a result they often blame themselves. As a parent, it is vital that you dispel this belief and reassure your child that there is nothing wrong with them. The faults and the flaws all rest at the door of the bully.

Support groups
Bullying help groups can be very useful for parents and children alike. Parents can find help and advice on how to deal with the situation and children can talk to other kids who have been bullied themselves.

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