As a mom who has deal with bullying firsthand more times than I can count not only with myself but also Suzzane and Charlie In our family, this is why part of topic matters so much to me, because once you’ve seen what bullying can do to someone you love, you don’t ever look at it the same way again.
I wanted to remind you bullying can show up anywhere including schools, among friends, in sports teams, at workplaces, and even in online spaces where people assume they are safe. It doesn’t stop with children either. Adults deal with bullying too, sometimes in quieter, more subtle ways that are easy to overlook but still carry real weight.
One of the biggest misunderstandings about bullying is that it has to be physical or extreme to matter. That simply isn’t true. Sometimes it is repeated teasing that slowly crosses a line. Sometimes it is someone ignoring a boundary after being asked to stop. Other times it is exclusion or behavior that gets brushed off as “kids being kids” or “just joking,” when it really isn’t funny to the person on the receiving end.
When a child comes to you about bullying, that moment should never be rushed. It should never be brushed aside. It should be met with your full attention. Sit down with the children and ;et them talk without interrupting and never judge them or take what they have to say lightly. Let them tell the story in their own way, even if it comes out scattered or emotional. What matters most is that they feel heard, not corrected or dismissed.
And what I’ve learned is that what looks small on the surface can be something much heavier underneath. I can say that from experience. There have been moments in our own family where the emotional weight of bullying became far more serious than anyone outside the situation would have realized at first glance.
That’s why it is so important not to minimize what children tell us. Even when it sounds small, it deserves to be taken seriously. Write things down if you need to, because details matter later when you’re trying to explain the situation to a teacher, counselor, or school staff member. And above all, believe them enough to take action.
Children also need to be reminded that they are never alone in this. They should always look for an adult they can trust—whether that is a parent, a teacher, a school nurse, a doctor, a family friend, or even a neighbor. It doesn’t have to be perfect or formal. It just has to be someone safe they can talk to. The same is true for adults as well. No one should carry these things alone. Even grown-ups need someone in their corner to talk things through with when life gets heavy.
There is also help available outside of your immediate circle, and sometimes it helps to know there are trained people and organizations ready to listen and guide you through it. If you or your child ever need additional support, there are resources that can help you understand what’s happening and what steps to take next.
You can visit StopBullying.gov, which is a U.S. government site that explains what bullying is, how to report it, and how schools and families can respond. Another incredible resource is the PACER National Bullying Prevention Center at PACER.org, which offers guidance, tools, and support specifically for parents and children dealing with bullying situations.
For emotional support in crisis moments, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 in the United States by calling or texting 988, and they can help both children and adults who feel overwhelmed or unsafe. Kids and teens can also find support through KidsHealth.org, which breaks down emotions, bullying, and stress in a way that’s easier for younger audiences to understand.
No one should ever feel like they have to handle bullying alone. Not children, not teenagers, and not adults. The most important thing we can do is keep talking, keep listening, and keep showing up when someone finally finds the courage to say, “I need help.”
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
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