Empowering parents: How to support your child's mental health and address bullying

Supporting your child’s emotional well-being is one of the most important roles you take on as a parent. When bullying enters the picture, it can feel overwhelming, but your involvement can make a significant impact. By creating a space where your child feels heard, staying alert to the signs of bullying, and nurturing a positive, supportive home environment, you can empower your child to handle these difficult situations with confidence.

Signs of Bullying to Look Out For

Children don’t always voice when something is wrong, especially when it comes to bullying. That’s why it’s important for parents to watch for subtle signs that their child may be struggling:

  • Unexplained injuries like bruises or scratches

  • Changes in behavior, such as becoming more withdrawn or anxious

  • Reluctance to go to school or participate in usual activities

  • Physical complaints, like headaches or stomach aches, often without a clear medical cause

  • Changes in sleep or appetite, such as trouble falling asleep or losing interest in food

  • Negative self-talk or sudden drops in self-esteem

If you see these signs, be a safe space for your child, where they can openly share their feelings without fear of judgment. Emphasize that you're a team, and you're here to listen and help.

Proactive Steps Parents Can Take

Once you’re aware of a bullying situation, there are several ways you can step in to support your child while also addressing the issue head-on. Here are proactive steps you can take:

  • Create a safe space at home: Let your child know that home is a place where they are loved and supported, no matter what happens outside.

  • Work with teachers and school staff: Get the school involved in finding a solution. Often, teachers can monitor interactions and help create a safer environment for your child.

  • Reassure your child that it’s not their fault: Bullying is never the victim’s fault. Make sure your child understands that they are not responsible for someone else’s hurtful behavior.

  • Teach your child coping strategies: Help your child practice ways to stay calm and respond confidently to a bully. Role-playing scenarios can be useful for helping them prepare.

Opening the Lines of Communication: Making It Safe to Share

One of the most important steps you can take as a parent is to create a space where your child feels safe opening up. This means being available, listening without judgment, and avoiding the urge to jump into problem-solving mode right away.

Here’s how you can encourage open communication:

  • Start with empathy: Acknowledge your child’s feelings without minimizing them. Let them know that it’s okay to feel upset or confused.

  • Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking “Are you being bullied?”, try asking, “How are things going at school?” or “Have you had any tough moments with your classmates lately?”

  • Be patient: Some children need time to feel comfortable sharing. Remain open and calm, and let them come to you when they’re ready.

  • Create low-pressure opportunities to talk: Going for a walk or a drive can make conversations feel less intimidating than sitting down face-to-face.

By maintaining a calm and understanding presence, you can build trust, making it easier for your child to come to you when they need support.

Managing Cyberbullying: Staying Safe in the Digital World

In today’s world, much of bullying happens online. As a parent, you can help protect your child by discussing the risks of cyberbullying and monitoring their technology use in an age-appropriate way:

  • Set boundaries on screen time and app usage: Help your child understand that not all online spaces are safe and establish limits that make sense for their age.

  • Discuss online safety: Talk openly about what cyberbullying looks like and encourage your child to tell you if they see or experience anything harmful online.

  • Stay engaged with their online world: While respecting your child’s privacy, stay aware of the platforms they’re using and check in regularly about their online interactions.

Helping Rebuild Self-Esteem

If your child has experienced bullying, they may need help rebuilding their self-esteem and confidence. Here are some ways you can support their emotional recovery:

  • Celebrate their strengths: Remind your child of their unique qualities, abilities, and accomplishments, focusing on their resilience.

  • Encourage healthy friendships: Help your child find supportive social environments, whether through extracurricular activities, clubs, or new peer groups.

  • Model healthy emotional regulation: Show your child how to manage difficult emotions by sharing how you handle stress and challenges in your own life.

Building resilience is key. As you guide your child through this process, remind them that they are strong, capable, and loved.

Seeking Additional Support

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may feel that your child needs extra help in coping with the effects of bullying. If your child shows signs of isolation, ongoing anxiety, or struggles to open up, it might be time to seek the support of a counsellor. Counselling can provide a space for children to process their emotions and develop coping skills. At Calgary Counselling Centre, our counsellors work with children, through talk and play therapy so they feel safe to speak-up and express their feelings.

Information for this blog was provided by registered psychologist, Charisse Hodson. Learn more about our counsellors.

adminchildren's mental health, counselling