Erin Baldwin, Community Engagement Specialist, West Virginia Virtual Academy
Protector—that’s the instinctive role of a parent. But what happens when your child goes somewhere that you can’t follow, like school? For many, this question carries real concern. In fact, more than a third of U.S. parents say they worry their child may be bullied at some point.
As much as we want to shield our children from the emotional or physical pain bullying can bring, the truth is, we can’t always protect them. What we can do is prepare them—by talking about bullying before it happens. This might look like weaving casual conversations about kindness and empathy into everyday life or having thoughtful, open conversations about what bullying is and how to respond. These proactive conversations help create a supportive environment where your child can feel safe opening up. Then, if you discover or suspect they may be a target of bullying, they’ll be more likely to come to you for help.
How to Talk to Your Child About Bullying When It’s an Issue
If the time comes to address bullying, a calm, open conversation can make a big impact on how your child learns to process and cope with their feelings. It will also help you guide and support them in finding the best path forward when they face tricky situations.
Start by creating the right environment. Talk somewhere quiet, where you can focus. If you’re in a distracting or busy place, it’s okay to say, “Let’s talk about this in a bit. I want to really listen to what you have to say.”
Take time to think before you speak. Research the topic, talk to other parents, or reflect on your own experiences. Feeling prepared will help the conversation flow more smoothly and productively.
Ask open-ended questions. Gently ask what’s going on—where and when it’s happening, who’s involved, if it was a one-time event or an ongoing issue. Your child’s responses will help you understand the situation and determine next steps.
Offer reassurance. You may not be able to take away their pain or sadness, but you can offer comfort. Let your child know it’s not their fault, you’re there for them, and that you’ll help them navigate the situation.
What to Do When You Need Extra Support
Sometimes, talking isn’t enough. If your child struggles to open up, or the situation isn’t improving, here are a few ways to take action:
Use books to spark conversation. Books about bullying, especially those written for kids and teens, can be powerful resources. They can help your child feel seen and encourage them to talk—to you or another trusted adult like a teacher or a school counselor. Whether you choose a book that directly addresses bullying like A Kids Book About Bullying or a story with a relatable protagonist, these books aim to empower children while instilling lessons of kindness and empathy.
Turn to the experts. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and StopBullying.gov provide tools and resources for parents, children, and schools to prevent and stop bullying.
In addition, West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA) is proud to highlight its partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection—an initiative focused on promoting student mental health and emotional well-being. Through this collaboration, WVVA families, educators, and caregivers gain free access to ParentGuidance.org, a 24/7 online platform offering vital mental health resources designed to strengthen human connection and foster resilience in school communities. The site features one-on-one coaching with cognitive behavioral health coaches, on-demand parenting sessions led by licensed therapists, and an interactive “Ask a Therapist” forum that provides timely answers to pressing questions. All services are completely confidential and available at no cost to every West Virginia family thanks to a three-year partnership supported by the West Virginia Department of Education and the Cook Center. Families are encouraged to explore these powerful tools for prevention, self-care, and connection by visiting ParentGuidance.org.
Get in touch with your child’s school. You can feel helpless when you’re not physically there—but teachers, coaches, and school counselors are, and they should step in when bullying becomes an issue. Once they’re aware of the situation, you can work together to determine a solution.
Consider a change in environment. If bullying continues despite your efforts, removing your child from the harmful environment may be the best solution. For many families, switching to an online school renewed joy and excitement in learning.
K12-powered online schools like WVVA for example, provide a structured learning environment with state-certified teachers and opportunities for peer interactions all from the safety of home. In fact, 42% of parents enrolled their children in K12 schools due to concerns about their previous school environment. For many of these students, this change offers the chance to focus on their own progress and learning without fear—and they’re thriving because of it.
No matter the path you take, know you’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to seek help and trust your instincts if you believe it’s time for a change. Prioritizing your child’s safety allows them to focus on their goals, laying the foundation for success in school and beyond.
