When Your Child Is the Bully: Parenting Tips and Mental Health
Discover parenting advice for when your child is the bully. Learn about bullying statistics, youth mental health links, and how to handle school-related reports.
Best quote from When Your Child Is the Bully: Parenting Tips and Mental Health
Bullying is not just about 'bad behavior'—it is a loud, messy signal that a child is struggling to handle what is going on inside and lacks the tools to process their own emotions.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
How to stop your kid from bullying
Frequently Asked Questions
When a parent receives a call from a school principal or teacher regarding bullying behavior, the initial reaction is often shock and embarrassment. It is important to lean into the situation rather than getting defensive. Recognizing that this behavior is a signal for help allows parents to address the underlying issues. Early intervention is key to helping both the child who is bullying and the person on the receiving end of the behavior.
Bullying is a widespread issue affecting many families today. Statistics show that approximately one in five children and teens between the ages of twelve and eighteen report being bullied within the last year. This high frequency means many parents are navigating the same confusion and worry when they discover their child is involved in bullying behavior. Understanding these statistics helps frame the scope of the problem in modern schools.
Yes, research indicates that bullying is often a red flag for the child's own well-being. Kids who engage in bullying behavior are more likely to be dealing with their own mental health struggles, such as childhood anxiety or depression. Rather than simply being 'bad behavior,' it is often a loud and messy signal that the child is struggling with their own emotions and may be drowning in internal distress.
Reframing the situation helps parents move past the heartbreak and embarrassment of the initial discovery. Instead of viewing the child solely through the lens of their actions, it is helpful to see the behavior as a sign of a child who might be struggling. By addressing the root causes, such as depression or anxiety, parents can better support their child's mental health while putting a stop to the bullying behavior.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
