How to counter an attack from mean girls

Ÿ Take it seriously and don’t leave your daughter to handle it alone. Early intervention can help prevent lasting problems such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

Ÿ Encourage your daughter to share her concerns. Listen in a calm, loving manner and support her feelings. Express understanding and concern. Maybe say, “I understand you’re having a rough time. Let’s work together to deal with this.”

Ÿ Remind your daughter that she isn’t to blame for being bullied.

Ÿ Learn as much as you can about the situation. Ask your child to describe how and when the bullying occurs and who is involved. Ask if other children or adults have witnessed any bullying incidents. Find out what your daughter may have done to try to stop the bullying.

Ÿ Teach your daughter how to respond. Don’t promote retaliation or fighting back. Instead, encourage her to maintain her composure. She might say, “I want you to stop now,” and then simply walk away. Suggest sticking with a friend or group of friends while on the bus, in the cafeteria or wherever the bullying seems to happen.

Ÿ Remind your daughter that she can ask teachers or other school officials for help.

Ÿ Contact school officials. Talk to your daughter’s teacher, the school counselor and the principal. Follow up. If the bullying seems to continue, be persistent. You also might want to encourage school officials to address bullying (and cyberbullying) as part of the curriculum.

Ÿ If your child has been physically attacked or otherwise threatened with harm, talk to school officials immediately to determine if the police should be involved.

Ÿ Don’t contact the bully’s parents yourself.

Ÿ Boost your child’s self-confidence. Help your child get involved in activities that can raise self-esteem, such as sports, music or art. Encourage your child to build friendships and develop his or her social skills.

Ÿ Know when to seek professional help. Consider professional or school counseling for your child if his or her fear or anxiety becomes overwhelming.

Source: Mayoclinic.com