What if my child's a bully?

There is no point in giving them a taste of their own medicine. All you will be doing is encouraging them to accept that it is alright to inflict pain on another person
You may feel like shouting at them but it would be more worthwhile to sit the child down and talk about it, explaining that it is cruel to hurt another person whether physically or mentally. Ask them to imagine what it must feel like to be on the receiving end. Make sure they know that you will not tolerate bullying
Ask them to think of a way they can make amends with the victim, perhaps by apologizing. Perhaps if the victim is timid and shy they can befriend them and be protective towards them
Keep in touch with your child's teacher and ask to be kept informed about your child's behaviour and whether the bullying has stopped. When your child does stop bullying let them know that you are pleased with them
Ask yourself why your child has reached the stage where they have had to bully another child. The bully is someone who feels the need to be the centre of attention caused by a lack of self-confidence. What you can do is try to help boost their opinion of themselves

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Helping children cope with stress - Ursula Markham

Bullying and how to fight it - A guide for families Andrew Mellor

Citizens Advice Bureau

University of Warwick

University of Sheffield

Whiteways Junior School, Sheffield

River Ministries (Norfolk)