Friendly Schools and Families
Working with the school
Many young people report they do not tell an adult when they are experiencing cyber-bullying because they are afraid of how adults will respond. They report that their parents often over-react and try to take control of the situation. Young people need adults to help them to deal with the problem for themselves by acting as facilitators, listening non-judgmentally, and providing support and advice when asked. Ask your child which, if any, strategies he has already tried, what other people have tried, if those strategies were helpful, and what they would try next time.
It is important to also let the school know about the bullying situation. However, before approaching the school, ask your child how he would like to talk about this issue with the school and discuss what outcome he wants as a result of involving the school. Consider:
• Phoning the school and asking who is best placed to help your child
• Making a time to talk with this person at school
• Explaining what you know about the situation
• Describing strategies your child has tried to date
• Asking for a plan of action that can be implemented at the school and at home
• Consider setting a date and time for a follow-up meeting
• Discussing with your child what happened and what the agreed strategies are
Warwick Norman
Friendly Schools and Families Coordinator
