Dealing with Bullying

Q: We recently moved, and we’re afraid our son is being bullied at his new school. Do you have any advice?

Jim: Unfortunately, bullying isn’t limited just to the schoolyard anymore. “Thanks” to technology (especially “social” media), it can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. The only remedy is to expose it for what it is.

First, if you sense there’s a problem, don’t wait for your son to talk about it. Ask: “Is someone picking on you at school?” Bullies often threaten to harm a child if he tells. Strong lines of communication will assure your son that he’s not alone. And watch for nonverbal signs of bullying (wanting to stay home, consistently “losing” snack/ lunch money, etc.).