Parenting✓ Follow-up at 6 weeks3,120 views
My kid is being bullied at school and I don't know what to do
A parent's action plan for addressing school bullying through documentation, school communication, child support strategies, and building resilience.
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Follow-Up Result
6 weeks laterSchool intervened after documented incidents and child is thriving with new friend group
The Problem
My 9-year-old comes home from school upset almost every day. A group of kids are calling them names, excluding them at lunch, and one kid pushed them last week. I've told my child to ignore it but it's getting worse. The school says they'll "look into it" but nothing changes. My kid doesn't want to go to school anymore and I'm watching their confidence disappear. I feel helpless and angry.
The Plan
Week 1-2: Document and Escalate
Start a written log: date, time, what happened, who was involved, any witnesses — this is your evidence
Email the teacher AND principal with specific incidents — verbal complaints get forgotten, emails create a paper trail
Request a formal meeting with the school counselor and administration — not a hallway chat
Ask the school about their anti-bullying policy and what specific steps they'll take
Don't tell your kid to "just ignore it" — validate their feelings and let them know you're taking action
Week 3-4: Support Your Child
Role-play responses with your child: assertive phrases like "stop, I don't like that" said firmly
Help them identify one or two potential friends and arrange playdates outside school
Consider a confidence-building activity: martial arts, drama, team sport — something where they feel capable
Talk to them every day but don't interrogate — "what was the best part of your day?" works better than "did they bully you?"
If your child shows signs of anxiety or depression, consider a child therapist — this is not overreacting
Resources
StopBullying.gov — federal resource with action plans for parents
KidsPeace — 24/7 crisis line for children and families
"The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander" by Barbara Coloroso — excellent parent guide
Your school district's bullying policy — request a copy in writing
Follow-Up Result
6 weeks in: the email trail made all the difference. After I documented 8 specific incidents and sent them to the principal, the school brought in the other kids' parents and implemented a buddy system. My child started karate and their confidence has visibly improved. They made two new friends through a weekend soccer league. The name-calling stopped almost immediately once the school actually intervened. My kid still has tough days but they're excited about school again. The biggest lesson: don't wait for the school to act — push until they do.Know someone with this problem?
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