Children who are bullied often suffer in silence. On the one hand they want the abuse to stop, but on the other they are reluctant to report it, fearing retaliation from the perpetrator(s) and/or ridicule from their peers. So what can parents do about bullying and teasing?

First of all, it is important to know what bullying encompasses. Bullying is defined as taunting, teasing, jeering, kicking, shoving, and beating up other kids. It is very important to let the school know of the situation. Once aware of the abuse, we can take measures to appropriately intervene and monitor the situation on an ongoing basis.

It is important for your child to understand that ignoring bullying does not make it go away. If ignoring did not work the first or second time, the abuse is going to continue unless something is done. Teach your child to stand up by telling the other student to stop. Explain to your child the difference between tattling and reporting. Tattling is reporting minor rule infractions solely to get someone else in trouble, while reporting is notifying adults in charge of a serious violation of school rules. Ensure your child understands that tattling on others may result in ridicule and bullying behaviors by peers.

Encourage your child to report problems to a school staff member. If your child is reluctant to do so, call your child's counselor or assistant principal and report the problem. Request that school staff handle the information sensitively as to prevent embarrassing your child. When making a report, it is important to explain where and when the bullying or teasing takes place (i.e. on the bus ride home, in the hallway to lunch, etc.) and what the student has done so far to avoid or stop the abuse.

Help your child build a social network, as a child who has friends is less of a target. Insist on a buddy system to and from school and in the neighborhood if needed. You also may want to consider enrolling your child in a self-defense course. Such courses stress self-discipline, self-control, and self-esteem - not violence.

For more information, please visit www.bullystoppers.com for advice sections for parents and students, a discussion forum and a list of 101 Comeback Lines to use when being bullied or teased.