1. Take your child's complaints about bullying seriously.

2. Watch for symptoms that your child may be bullied. Your child may seem depressed or anxious, may complain of feeling unwell, may not want to go to school, maybe missing possessions, have less interest in school work, etc.

3. Contact your child's school as soon as possible should you believe a bullying situation is occurring or has occurred.

4. Work with other parents to ensure that the children in your community feel safe.

5. Listen. Encourage your child to talk about school and relationships they have.

6. Model ways for your child to solve problems without aggression. Kids are always watching the adults around them, whether we realize it or not!

7. Help your child learn social skills to facilitate making and maintaining friendships.

8. Develop strategies with your child to deal with bullying situations. A child who feels there are many ways to handle a problem, is a child who feels empowered!

Check out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website about bullying:

http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov