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Learn the Essential Ways to Support Your Child Through Social Bullying

Social Bullying
It can be very difficult to see your child going through the pain and fear of being socially bullied. It’s natural to feel helpless and lost on how to support your child in the best way. There are ways you can help your child navigate through this difficult experience.

First and foremost, it’s essential to listen to your child without judgment. Let them know that you are there for them and that their feelings are valid. Encourage open communication and assure them that they are not alone in this.

It’s also important to educate yourself about the signs of social bullying and how it differs from other forms of bullying. Social bullying can be subtle and often goes unnoticed, so being aware of the signs can help you spot it early on and take the necessary steps to address it.

Teach your child about the importance of self-confidence and self-worth. Help them understand that the bully’s words and actions are a reflection of the bully’s insecurities, not their own worth. Encourage your child to find activities and hobbies that make them feel good about themselves and boost their self-esteem.

Seeking help from the school’s administration or a trusted teacher or counselor can also be beneficial. They can work with your child to address the situation and ensure that the necessary steps are taken to protect your child from further bullying.

Encourage your child to build a strong support system of friends and peers who value and appreciate them for who they are. Surrounding themselves with positive influences can help counteract the negative effects of social bullying.

Lastly, remind your child that it’s okay to seek professional help if they are struggling to cope with the effects of social bullying. A therapist or counselor can provide the necessary support and guidance to help them heal from the emotional wounds caused by the bullying.

Remember, as a parent, your love and support can make a world of difference in your child’s life. By staying involved and informed, you can help your child navigate through the challenges of social bullying and emerge stronger and more resilient. You are not alone, and together, you and your child can overcome this obstacle.

 

Author
Dr. Muhammad Zeshan Headshot Dr. Muhammad Zeshan My name is Muhammad Zeshan, MD, and I am a Harvard trained infant, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Inside Out, a private practice based in Princeton, New Jersey. I am currently working as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School-Newark, New Jersey. Through Inside Out CURE, my focus is to help individuals become more Compassionate, Understanding, and aware of their inner strength and vulnerabilities, while developing Resilience and Empathy. I offer a variety of mental health care services to all age groups (infancy through adulthood) by applying principals of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, positive psychology, family therapy, parent-child intervention therapy, pharmacology, and neuroscience.

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