The role of parents in the face of bullying

Prevention: Create an Open Channel of Communication

The most important role of parents in the face of bullying is that of prevention, and this is built on communication.

Parents must cultivate an environment of trust from early childhood, where the child feels safe to talk about his or her fears and failures without fear of being judged, punished or minimized.

This is not achieved by daily questioning ("How was school?"), but by showing a genuine interest in their world: their friends, their games, their worries.

This open channel of communication is the most effective "early warning system".

A child who is used to talking about his problems with his parents is infinitely more likely to confess to a bullying situation in its early stages.

If, on the other hand, the child only receives attention for his successes (grades) or is punished for his failures, he will learn to hide his vulnerability, allowing the bullying to become chronic.

Modeling Empathy and Assertiveness

Parents are the first and most influential teachers of social skills.

Bullying is, at its core, a failure of empathy (on the part of the bully) and, often, assertiveness (on the part of the victim).

Parents should actively model empathy: show compassion for others, talk about feelings (their own and others'), and teach their children to put themselves in the other's shoes.

A child raised in empathy will be less likely to be an aggressor or a passive observer.

At the same time, they should teach assertiveness, which is the balance between passivity and aggressiveness.

An assertive child knows how to defend his rights and express his discomfort calmly but firmly, without resorting to violence or submission.

This is taught at home, allowing them to express disagreement in a respectful way and validating their right to say "no".

Educating in Tolerance and the Value of Difference

Bullying targets what is "different". Bullies look for a characteristic (glasses, weight, origin, tastes, high abilities) to justify their attack.

The role of parents is to deactivate this justification by actively educating in tolerance and the positive value of diversity.

In the home, different cultures, family types, physical and intellectual abilities, and sexual orientations should be discussed naturally and respectfully.

If parents use derogatory language, make jokes about minorities or criticize those who do not fit into their "normalcy," they are giving ideological ammunition to bullying.

Conversely, a home that celebrates diversity builds children who are not only less likely to bully, but are more prepared to be advocates for their peers.

Summary

The preventive role of parents is key, creating an open and safe channel of communication. Genuine interest in the child's life allows problems to be detected before they escalate.

Parents should model social skills, teaching empathy and assertiveness. Empathy prevents aggression, and assertiveness gives the victim tools to defend him/herself without violence.

It is essential to educate in tolerance and the value of diversity. A home that respects what is different immunizes the child against the mentality of bullying, which is based on attacking the "different one".