Section 9

The Role of Adults

Adults play a significant role in keeping children safe from bullying.

All adults, whether at home, at school or in the community, have a role to play in bullying prevention and intervention. Adults should refrain from labeling children as “tattletales” and listen when a child reports bullying concerns.25

By being effective and empathetic listeners, adults are positioned to assist children who are impacted by bullying. Parents can increase the likelihood that their child will report bullying experiences by making listening a part of the daily routine. During dinner or another part of the day, initiate regular “talk sessions” and express interest in your child’s day and allow the child to take the lead in talking about what is on his or her mind.

If a child shares a story of bullying, listen patiently and without judgment. Adults should always start a conversation with “I’m sorry this happened and this is not your fault. No one deserves to be mistreated.” Ask questions, help the child brainstorm possible responses and ask the child what help he or she needs.

Sample questions to ask:

  • What happened?
  • What happened right before this incident?
  • Who was there?
  • Where did this happen?
  • What time of day, during what period at school, before or after practice?
  • Was there an adult present?
  • Did anyone report this to an adult?
  • Is there an adult at school that you would feel comfortable going to?
Section 9

Active supervision is a key to preventing and addressing bullying. If you see bullying or sense that it may be occurring, speak up and take steps to ensure that the environment is safe. Let children know what behavior is expected and what behavior is unacceptable. Offer structured activities that include all students. Intervene in all instances of peer aggression that you observe.

Take time to follow up with involved students. Children often report bullying during private conversations with adults who care.

Adults should serve as positive role models. Take care to ensure that your interactions with others are not abusive or harassing. Children learn from watching adults. It is important that your actions communicate that bullying behavior is unacceptable.

All adults should:

  • Recognize the signs and symptoms of a child who may have been bullied
  • Intervene when bullying is suspected
  • Talk with students about what bullying is and isn’t
  • Reinforce appropriate bystander behavior
  • Communicate with supervising adults in a timely manner

Resources

Resilience and Recovery

Institute for Community & Adolescent Resiliency