Low-level bullying

[Spanisheomellletttes]

How do your children deal with low-level bullying and what is/is not effective?

DD is 10, in her final primary school year and is struggling to assert herself when verbally put-down. Eg: one girl in particular will exclude her in the playground and then be nice another day. DD doesn't like her and doesn't trust her, understandably, but it frustrates her in such a way that she takes it out on her brother (verbally). We have encouraged her to directly address the behaviour with the girl (eg: what a horrible thing to say, that is unkind) and then walk away. Does that work, though?

I would speak to school so that it is on their radar. My DD had similar and then blew up one day and made her bully cry. Of course because their mum wasn’t aware of all the low level stuff, as we’d tried to give our DD tips in how to handle it, it seemed like our DDs fault.

Bump

My eldest is 10, it's a turbulent time. So sending solidarity.

Can you get her into a tae kwon do or martial arts or some other self defence class?

It's fantastic for confidence and the children are taught how to respond to bullies and what to do.

Also encourage a club to make friends outside of school. I think school can get a bit intense socially after 10 years with the same children every day. Maybe brownies?

Some good ideas. Thanks!