Mike speaks with Sarah Blake, a Conflict Strategist & Mediator, about the distressing reality of childhood bullying and how parents can effectively respond.

When a child is being targeted—experiencing online harassment, physical intimidation, or emotional distress leading to school refusal and withdrawal—it's heartbreaking for parents. However, reacting impulsively isn't the answer.

Blake emphasises four crucial steps parents should take, especially with rising school bullying rates:

1. Lean in: Initiate a dialogue with school staff as soon as concerns arise.

2. Step up: Formalize your concerns by lodging a complaint.

3. Lean out: If initial steps are ineffective, escalate the issue to a senior authority or seek external support services.

4. Exit strategy: If the school's response remains inadequate, prioritize your child's safety by immediately removing them from that environment. It's not worth the risk of them remaining in an unsafe situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.