6 ways parents can help their child deal with bullying

Bullying can have a deep impact on a child's psyche. Bullying can negatively impact a child's self-esteem and in many cases lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. While bullying is considered a normal part of growing up and many parents may think the child will learn to deal with it in time, it is important for parents, teachers, and other adults to take bullying seriously and address it when it occurs. For a long time, we have been accepting bullying as a part of growing up, something that children should learn to 'tough it out', while denying its social, emotional, moral and cognitive consequences," says Mimansa Singh Tanwar, Clinical Psychologist, Head Fortis School Mental Health Program, Fortis National Mental Health Program. How to recognise the signs of bulling "A child not his/her usual self, quieter, irritable, cries easily, has temper outbursts on small triggers, or a teen with low moods, staying aloof, withdrawing from social circle, or avoiding school, are some of the red flags where a parent must ask them if they are being subjected to any episodes of bullying," says the Clinical Psychologist.