How to bully-proof your kids for life

How to bully-proof your kids for life

The article explains bullying as repeated aggression by someone with more power and involving not just the bully and target but also supporters and silent bystanders. Expert Stella O'Malley argues that any child can potentially bully or be bullied, so parents should understand their child's emotional needs to help them navigate social dynamics and build empathy. She suggests teaching kids to recognise "tricky people," support others as upstanders, and foster kindness rather than superiority. O'Malley also notes that while digital spaces can accelerate dehumanisation, bullying experiences can still build resilience with proper support.