Bullying Prevention: A Collaborative Effort – Parent advice

A few initiatives have been put in place this school year to raise awareness on bullying prevention. Among these initiatives, we can mention November Inclusion Week at secondary and the launch of a Whole School policy aimed at preventing and managing school bullying situations. Our anti-bullying policy states that preventing bullying is a collaborative effort involving students, parents, and all school staff.

We all have an important role to play in preventing and managing bullying, and I want to take this opportunity to remind you of the parents advice that are part of the school policy:

• Open Communication: Parents should establish open lines of communication with their children. Encourage your child to talk about their experiences, including any bullying incidents. Create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where they feel safe to share their concerns.

• Recognise Signs of Bullying:  Parents should be vigilant and watch for signs of bullying. Promptly addressing any issues can help prevent further harm. A list of signs of bullying are described in the school policy 

• Educate and Empower: Teach children about bullying, its different forms, and its impact. Help them understand that bullying is never acceptable and they have the right to be treated with respect. Provide strategies for responding assertively to bullying, such as walking away, seeking help from an adult, or using confident body language.

• Set a Positive Example: Children learn from their parents' behaviour. Model kindness, empathy, and respectful communication in your interactions with others. Demonstrate the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and treating others with dignity and compassion.

• Establish Clear Expectations and Rules: Set clear expectations regarding behaviour, both online and offline. Discuss the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. Establish rules regarding technology and social media use, and monitor your child's online activities to ensure their safety.

• Foster Resilience: Help your child develop resilience and self-confidence by encouraging them to participate in activities they enjoy. Teach them coping strategies to deal with bullying, such as assertive communication, seeking support from trusted adults, and practising self-care.

• Work with the School:  Establish a partnership with the school to effectively address bullying. Attend parent-teacher meetings, participate in workshops or seminars on bullying prevention, and become familiar with the school's policies and procedures.

• Monitor Online Activities: Be aware of your child's online presence. Encourage responsible internet use and discuss the potential risks of cyberbullying. Teach your child about online privacy, the importance of not sharing personal information, and the necessity of reporting any bullying or inappropriate behaviour they encounter online.

For further advice on helping your child deal with bullying, consider visiting:

• The Bullying UK website: www.bullying.co.uk
• The French Education website: Bullying prevention at school 
• The HK EDB website: Preventing Bullying

Please remind your children that it is important to promptly notify a trusted adult within the school if they witness or are victims of any instances of bullying. Together, we can create a safer environment for our children.