Treating a Bullying Victim: What to do

The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center

Tell the child or adolescent that you care and are concerned. Ask the child to tell you what is going on and provide an opportunity for the child to talk to you openly. Explain that telling is not tattling and that you need the information in order to help. When the child begins to talk, respond in an accepting and positive way. Make it clear that the bullying is not the child's fault, and that telling you was the right thing to do.
Gather a complete violence history from the child or adolescent that addresses exposure to violence, safety issues, stressors in school, family, and community.
Talk to the child's parents/caregivers about bullying and its seriousness. Address any myths they might hold about bullying. Some parents may believe that bullying is a normal part of childhood and that children are best left to work it out among themselves. Some believe that fighting back is the best way to stop bullying.
Provide the child's parents with information about bullying and how to help their child respond to bullying.
Provide the child or adolescent with information on bullying.
Encourage the child's school to implement a comprehensive violence prevention plan that includes an anti-bullying component.