Going back to school can be an anxious time for parents and children under normal circumstances, but post-lockdown can present many new challenges.
With Covid-19 restrictions now part of everyday school life, with that comes new anxieties for children - and new material for playground bullies.
Just this wee we told how a 16-year-old boy had been bullied for choosing to wear a face mask to school.
Scotland's anti-bullying charity, Respect Me, says any organsiisations "overarching ethos should make it clear that bullying is never acceptable and that all adults, children and young people understand the role that they play in addressing bullying."
However it's an issue that still plagues many schools and now, as youngsters settle in to their 'new normal', author and family therapist Jodi Aman has offered practical advice to parents on how to deal with anxiety and bullying
Teach them resilience
Go over some bullying scenarios with your kids and make them come up with ways to respond to each one.
This brainstorming will open their problem-solving mind so when they are in a situation they will trust themselves and be able to think their way out, rather than freezing or doing something unsafe.
Remind them where to go for help at school and that they can always talk to you when they get home.
Explain what bullies are
Let them know why kids bully. Just saying that “they are jealous” isn’t enough to understand why someone might be jealous.
Explain that miserable people are mean because they don’t like themselves.
Go over examples from TV or movies so they understand this concept.
This will help them not take the mean comments into their hearts.
Find new friends
Some friend groups have cultures of drama and this may not be the best place for your child’s tender heart.
If your kid is being excluded have them use their noticing skills to find the nice kids.
They are always there and may be just the friend group your child is looking for.
Learn how to be a great friend
Ask your kids about helping their friends when they are bullied. Do they stand up to them? Do they check in with them? Make sure you go over these options for how not to be a bystander.
If you need further advice or information check out the National Bullying Helpline, Respect Me or Bullying UK or Young Minds which all offer great advice on how to deal with different kinds of bulling.
