Dove - How to tackle teasing and bullying

How to tackle teasing and bullying

Worried your child is being teased about their appearance and not sure how to help? Concerned about the impact on their self-esteem? Use our articles and activities to help them understand what's happening and get information on how to stop bullying in school and outside.

There are many different types of bullying – in the real world and online. Sometimes the line between 'a bit of fun' and hurtful teasing can be blurred – especially during adolescence when young people are naturally more sensitive. This kind of teasing might not seem as serious as overt bullying, but it can still be upsetting and have long-lasting negative effects. 

The more you can understand this kind of teasing – why it happens and how it feels – the more you can relate to your child's anxiety and distress. 

Our articles and activities will help you support your child so they can understand and deal with appearance-focused teasing.

Start reading and sharing them with your child today. And if the taunting turns to bullying, don't hesitate to get professional help.

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    It’s a sad fact that most young people experience bullying at some stage. But while boys and girls are equally likely to be on the receiving end, for a girl it’s more often hidden to the casual observer. That’s why it’s important for parents to recognise the signs of bullying among girls and be aware of its dangers.

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    Whether it's 'size 000', the 'thigh gap' or the 'ab crack', it seems that every few months brings a disturbing new thinness trend. How can you prevent your child being drawn into social media's latest body obsessions and encourage them to put their health and wellbeing above body perfectionism?

  • Help your child understand the impact of being a bystander to bullying
    How can we stop bullying when we're neither the bully nor the victim? Read our advice and tips for parents and share them with the young people in your life.
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    Bullying doesn’t just impact those directly involved. Perhaps your child isn’t a bully themselves, but has been a ‘bystander’ – someone who does nothing, even when they see someone being teased or bullied. They may think they are doing the right thing by keeping quiet – so it's important to teach them that by challenging a bully, instead of being a bystander, they can stop hurtful behaviour taking place.

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    What's the impact of social media on youth? Find out what teens think about their own social media use, and get tips to help kids use social networks positively.
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    Social media issues permeate every aspect of a young person’s life these days, whether it’s revealing TMI (Too Much Info) about their personal relationships on Snapchat, having public spats with their BFF (Best Friend Forever) on Twitter or inadvertently inviting gatecrashers by posting party details on Facebook. 

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    Negative peer pressure can knock teens' confidence and self-esteem. Help your child learn how to deal with peer pressure with our tips and expert advice.
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    During adolescence, your child might want to avoid ‘sticking out’, but there’s no need for them to pretend they're something they're not. Use our action checklist to help your daughter or son resist peer pressure and enjoy being themselves.

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    Build self-esteem and body confidence in young people with the Confidence Kit – a guide for parents to help girls on their personal journey to womanhood.
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    Build self-esteem and body confidence in young people with the Confidence Kit – a guide for parents and caregivers to help girls on journey to womanhood.
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    Are you a parent wondering what to do about bullying? Use our Letter Challenge video and activity to raise the issue with your child and boost their confidence.
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    If your child has experienced bullying, we hope these anti-bullying activities will help them. Use The Letter Challenge video, activity and action checklist to give your daughter or son the confidence they need to put bullying behind them.