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.
What would you like to learn more about?
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peer pressure
bullying at schools
8 to 16 years
Girl bullies: understanding different types of bullyingIf your child is being bullied, there's a lot you can do to support them. Our practical guide explains the different types of bullying and how to deal with them.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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![Confident Me resources for parents]()
peer pressure
8 to 16 years
Confidence Kit: A tool to help build positive body confidence in your childAs a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your child – for them to be happy, healthy and confident individuals.As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your child – for them to be happy, healthy and confident individuals.
But that’s sometimes easier said than done, especially during the teen and pre-teen years when their bodies are changing, their self-confidence is fragile and they are trying to make that tricky transition out of childhood.
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![Why do bullies bully]()
bullying at schools
8 to 14 years
Why do bullies bully?Want to know how to support your child if they become a victim of bullying at school? Our experts explain why people bully and share practical tips to combat it.Bullying is a horrible fact of life and can affect us at any age. If your child is being bullied, use our action checklist to help them understand why it’s happening and how they can beat it.
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bullying at schools
8 to 14 years
The Letter Challenge: dealing with bulliesAre 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.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.
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peer pressure
8 to 16 years
Help your child understand the impact of being a bystander to bullyingHow 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.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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peer pressure
11 to 16 years
How does social media affect teens?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.Social media issues permeate every aspect of a young person’s life these days, whether it’s revealing TMI (Too Much Info) about their boyfriend or girlfriend 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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![Resisting peer pressure]()
peer pressure
8 to 16 years
Peer pressure: help your child to be themselvesNegative 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.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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![Positive body image]()
peer pressure
8 to 16 years
Help your child defy body trends and beat the body-shamersFrom the 'thigh gap' to the 'ab crack', there's always a new ideal body shape to aspire to. Help your child defy body trends and boost their self-esteem.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?
