Bullying is a serious and unfortunately common issue that affects many teens. It is a form of emotional abuse that can have far-reaching effects on the victim’s life. As soon as you become aware of a bullying situation, you need to take appropriate steps to deal with the issue. This may include contacting the school or reaching out to authorities to discuss criminal charges. Once the immediate situation has been addressed, be aware that your child may have lingering effects from the events that require your attention.
Discuss the Situation Openly
One of the most important steps that you can take to help your child overcome the effects of bullying is to open a conversation about it. This conversation may be one long heart-to-heart, but most often, it is a long series of conversations. You may notice that your child is increasingly able to open up to you about the situation, and you can work with your child as he or she explores feelings about the events.
Consider Relocating
Some children are so distraught about a bullying situation that they have trouble functioning in the same location where the events occurred. In some cases, the physical location is a constant reminder of what happened. In other cases, other children may make comments about the issues that bring the issue back to the front and center of their minds. Relocating may seem extreme, but it can yield incredibly beneficial results in some situations.
Seek Therapy
The emotional abuse of extreme bullying can result in post-traumatic stress disorder and other similar issues. Therapy through professionals like Lifeline is an excellent solution to help your child get through this rough patch in his or her life. If your child struggles with depression or anxiety related to bullying events, medication may be beneficial or necessary.
Look for Signs of Addiction
Some children will try to cope with the pain of the events through drugs or alcohol. Parents of bullied children need to be aware of the signs of an addiction. If you notice signs of addiction in your child, seek treatment as soon as possible. For example, an in-patient addiction treatment center that is specifically designed to treat children and teens may be a great option to consider.
The impact of bullying on children often extends for years after the actual bullying situation has ended. As a parent, you can take numerous steps to help your child to recover more quickly and substantially after being bullied.
