As a Virginia bullying lawyer, Stuart L. Plotnick sees the focus in many bullying incidents on protecting our children from bullies. As parents, we should also be concerned that our children aren’t the aggressors.
Signs that your child may be acting as a bully include:
- Getting into frequent physical and verbal fights
- Showing increasing aggressiveness toward others
- Getting detention and frequent calls to the principal’s office
- Having unexplained extra cash or new belongings
You can take certain precautions at home to make sure your child understands that social, physical, and cyber bullying are not acceptable.
- Encourage your children to talk about bullying and the effects it can have on them and other children.
- Promote a nurturing home environment filled with mutual respect and understanding, where they can express how they are feeling in a safe space.
- Don’t allow bullying behavior between siblings. This extends beyond normal sibling rivalry, and if tolerated at home can send the child the message that it’s okay to act aggressively toward schoolmates.
- Avoid telling your children that bullying is part of growing up.
- Avoid telling your children that fighting physically or verbally is a good resolution to problems with others.
- Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if your child is acting out and bullying others. A medical or mental health professional can help you and your child understand bullying behaviors and how to develop alternate expressions for the child’s emotions.
If your child has suffered from bullying, please contact the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick to schedule your free consultation with a Virginia bullying lawyer.