11/03/2025
Here are 3 questions you can ask your child to help differentiate between bullying and mean behavior.
“How many times has this or something like this happened?” This question helps identify if the behavior is a repeated, ongoing issue (indicative of bullying) or a singular occurrence (more likely mean behavior).
“Tell me how you would feel and what you would do if this person told you to do something you didn’t want to do. Do you think you could or would say no to them. If so, what would you say? If not, tell me why?” Understanding power dynamics is key to identifying bullying. It could be physical power, social status, or even psychological control.
“Have you ever noticed them treating other people this way?” Bullying often involves the targeted individual being singled out repeatedly, whereas mean behavior might not be as specific and can be directed at anyone.
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