Overview

Children who are seen as being different from their peers are more likely than other children to be targets for bullying. They may have few friends and find it hard to stand up for themselves. Children who appear confident and strong are better able to discourage children from bullying them.

Parents and other important adults in a child's life can use these suggestions to help boost a child's self-esteem:

• Encourage your child to participate.

  Encourage your child to participate in activities such as outdoor play, sports, or drama. This can help build confidence and self esteem.

• Help children become involved.

  Help children become involved socially with other children through school, church, or community activities. This way, children will build social skills and learn to be with others. Children who have friends at school are less likely to be targets for bullying.

• Role-play with your children.

  Role-play with children to show them how to be confident and how to react when someone bullies them. Help children learn to look people in the eye and to speak with a strong voice.