A few months ago, my daughter and I moved interstate for a work opportunity. I was hesitant about having her move schools as she is right at the age where it can be hard to fit in. I know how hard it was when I had to change schools as a kid, but she assured me she would be fine.
It was going well at first but last week a found a message on her phone from a girl at school. Usually I monitor her messages but since I started my new job I haven't had much time. In the message the girl called my daughter a slut and threatened her with violence. When I confronted my daughter she played down the situation, telling me it was a joke. I know its been a long time since I was a kid, but I certainly didn't talk to my friends that way. I have since asked her if she is being bullied or if she needs help and she tells me that she's fine, but it keeps weighing on my mind. I think I just feel guilty for moving and taking her away from her friends but what if she really does need my help?
Need some advice on how to deal with the situation!!
It was going well at first but last week a found a message on her phone from a girl at school. Usually I monitor her messages but since I started my new job I haven't had much time. In the message the girl called my daughter a slut and threatened her with violence. When I confronted my daughter she played down the situation, telling me it was a joke. I know its been a long time since I was a kid, but I certainly didn't talk to my friends that way. I have since asked her if she is being bullied or if she needs help and she tells me that she's fine, but it keeps weighing on my mind. I think I just feel guilty for moving and taking her away from her friends but what if she really does need my help?
Need some advice on how to deal with the situation!!
2 Comments
It's important to remember she might not need a solution for whatever is going on, just someone to talk with.
I would make an effort to sit down with your daughter and talk to her about how school is going. Ask if you can go through her phone together to avoid overstepping boundaries. If you find any material that you would consider a repeat offence of bullying, I would firstly explain to your daughter that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable and then proceed to take it to the school and/or police. (Depending on the seriousness)
To understand your rights when it comes to cyber-bullying, you can check out: http://www.lawstuff.org.au/lawstuff