It is time to go beyond talk and into action. If your child tells you he or other children in the school are being bullied, there are things you can do. Here are some ideas to start with. Check back for more articles on youth bullying, violence and suicide. There will be tips for youth, parents, teachers, administrators, social workers, psychologists, and counselors.

1. Talk to your children or teens every day about what they are doing and what makes them sad and what makes them happy. Ask them about bullying in their school.
2. If your child is being bullied at school, make an appointment with the teacher AND PRINCIPAL and the parents of the bully.  The adults need to come up with a plan that ends the bullying of your child or teen.
3. Reassure your child that the adults will handle the situation and he/she is not to blame for what is happening.
4. Insist that the school take action and prevent retribution.  Suggest they look into school bullying prevention programs such as Olweus Bullying Program.
5. Bullies often have deep seated problems.  Expulsion and suspension are not enough to prevent bullying.  A youth with bullying behaviors should be referred for a Mental Health evaluation and therapy.

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