Depending on the outcomes so far, you should use the following guidelines:

Un-Happy

  1. Reflect back on your 1st and 2nd discussions with the teacher. Use this information to write a letter to the principal outlining the situation. Make sure you are calm and not insultive to the school or the teacher. Ask for an appointment to discuss the situation further.
  2. Discuss all options for your child and the responsibilities of the school with the principal. Continue working with the principal and teacher until the school develops strategies to assist your child.

Happy

  1. Keep in contact with the teacher to closely monitor the situation. Keep supporting your child to use proactive and reactive strategies where needed.
  2. In the case where the situation does not improve or becomes worse, seek further help from the school and/or other professionals. In the case where the situation improves, continue monitoring child’s behaviour and reports of bullying.

Recommended Readings

  1. Borba, M. (nd). Bully-proofing our kids. Available [on-line]: www.micheleborba.com
  2. Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System. (1996). Bullying: Information for parents and teachers. Available [on-line]: www.lfcc.on.ca/bully.htm
  3. Lawson, S. (1995). Helping children cope with bullying. London: Sheldon Press
  4. Lee, C. (2004). Preventing bullying in schools. London: Paul Chapman Publishing
  5. Rigby, K. (2000). Bullying in school and what to do about it. Camberwell: Australian Council for Educational Research Ltd
  6. Sullivan, K. (2000). The anti-bullying handbook. Auckland: Oxford University Press
  7. University of South Australia. (nd). Does bullying really do children any harm? Available:www.education.unisa.edu.au/bullying