Gone are the stereotypes that bullies are big, burly kids from the wrong side of the tracks. Any child is capable of bullying others, even those kids with no risk factors. But, there are some things you can do to make sure your child treats others with respect and kindness. Here are eight ways you can prevent your child from becoming a bully.

Put an End to Bullying Behavior Immediately

If you find your child is a bully or your child is a cyberbully, take steps to put an end to the behavior at once. You need to take swift action with appropriate consequences. And if the bullying was reported to the school, work with administrators to enforce any disciplinary action that your child receives.

Know the Signs of Bullying

Not only is it important to know the signs of bullying to prevent your child from bullying others but, it’s also important for your own child’s health and safety. Sometimes kids bully others because they too are being bullied.

Foster Empathy

Many bullies lack empathy. As a result, be sure you are working with your kids to recognize how their behavior affects others. Be sure to ask your child how he would feel in a similar situation. And, point out when you see other people hurting or in need of assistance and encourage your child to offer help in some way.

Talk With Your Kids About Bullying

Consistent communication is the key to good parenting and it is especially important when it comes to bullying prevention. Remember, you cannot shelter your kids from every malicious influence, but you can prepare them for tough situations by talking with them about bullying. Be sure your children know that life is full of disagreements. Just make sure they know how to handle these situations productively.

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Get to Know Your Child’s Friends

Invite your child’s friends over to your house or invite them to attend events with your family. And if your child develops a friendship with a bully or a mean girl, be sure you talk to your child about what is respectful and kind and what isn’t. Try to guide your child through her friendships instead of making demands about who spends time with.

Don’t Ignore Sibling Aggression

While it is normal for siblings to argue and tease one another, chronic mean behavior, both verbal and physical, should never be ignored.

Teach Your Child to Respect Others

Be sure your child knows that all people are unique and that everyone should be treated with kindness. Also, set clear expectations on how to treat people, especially those who are different in some way.

Take an Interest in Your Child

This seems simple enough, but many parents do not actively engage in their child’s life. Instead, they spend more time directing and correcting than they do listening and getting to know their kids. It’s important for parents to take an interest in their children’s activities and education.

Were you being bulled during childhood? How did that make you feel?

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