Helping Parents Guide Children Through the Challenges Of Bullying

Find this article at:
go.ncsu.edu/readext?1097211
— Written By
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.

Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.

English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

Helping Parents Guide Children Through the Challenges Of Bullying

By Jeffrey Cates, Digital Skills Agent, Guilford County Center

In collaboration with Dr. Monique Pearce-Brady, Family Life & Human Development Specialist

Understanding Bullying Today

Bullying remains one of the most pressing challenges children and families face. Defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance and is repeated over time, bullying can occur in classrooms, on playgrounds, and increasingly in digital spaces (CDC, 2021). Victims often experience emotional distress, social withdrawal, academic difficulties, and long-term mental health risks (American Psychological Association [APA], 2023).

No single factor makes a child more likely to be bullied or to bully others, but research shows that youth with disabilities, socially isolated youth, or those facing stigma may be at higher risk (CDC, 2021).

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Parents and guardians are often the first to notice changes in behavior that signal a child may be experiencing bullying. Warning signs include:

  • Sudden withdrawal after screen time or school
  • Deleted or hidden social media accounts
  • Reluctance to attend school or activities
  • Emotional shifts, including irritability, sadness, or anxiety

In digital contexts, bullying may appear subtle, such as exclusion from group chats, repeated “joking” insults, or emotionally manipulative messages. Parents should look for patterns of repetition and imbalance of power rather than isolated negative comments.

Guiding Children in the Digital Age

With nearly 60% of U.S. teens reporting experiences of cyberbullying (Pew Research Center, 2022), it is critical that parents understand both the risks and opportunities of online life. Families can help children develop resilience by focusing on two strategies:

1. Building Positive Digital Identities

According to the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI, 2023), youth thrive when encouraged to create a constructive and authentic digital presence. Parents can:

  • Support children in posting about gratitude, kindness, or achievements.
  • Encourage the use of social media portfolios to showcase art, STEM projects, or sports.
  • Teach proper tagging and attribution, reinforcing respect for others’ work.
  • Periodically audit old posts with children, removing content that no longer reflects who they are.

2. Using Practical Digital Tools

Technology can support families when paired with open communication. Tools such as Bark monitor texts, social media, and email for signs of bullying, self-harm, or predatory behavior and send parents alerts without fully invading children’s privacy (SafeWise, 2024). Combined with Google Family Link or Apple Screen Time, parents can set healthy boundaries while preserving trust.

The Importance of Dialogue

Experts emphasize that monitoring tools are most effective when paired with ongoing conversations. Parents should use digital alerts or school reports as conversation starters rather than as punitive measures. A simple opening such as, “I saw something concerning in a notification—can you help me understand what happened?” fosters trust and problem-solving.

Taking Action

If a child is experiencing bullying, parents can:

  1. Listen first without judgment.
  2. Document the incident (screenshots, written records).
  3. Report and block harmful accounts on digital platforms.
  4. Engage schools or youth leaders for coordinated support.
  5. Reassure children that they are not alone and that adults will help.

Resources for Families

Conclusion

Preventing and addressing bullying requires a whole-family approach: understanding warning signs, fostering positive digital identities, using technology wisely, and most importantly, maintaining open lines of communication. With proactive guidance, parents and guardians can help children grow in confidence and resilience, both online and offline.

References

American Psychological Association. (2023). Bullying and youth mental health.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Preventing bullying.

Family Online Safety Institute. (2023). Teaching the power of positivity online.

Pew Research Center. (2022). Teens, social media and technology 2022.

SafeWise. (2024). Bark parental control app review.

share Share This Article