Free guide · For parents · Grades 6 to 12

If your child is being bullied

What to do when your child is bullied in person or online: how to listen, how to document, how to work with the school, and when it is an emergency.

Your progress

Listen first

Thank your child for telling you, and stay calm
Ask what happened, where, who and how often
Do not tell them to fight back or to simply ignore it

Document

Write dates, places, names and what happened
Screenshot online messages before anything is deleted, with dates
Keep a copy of every report you make

Work with the school

Report in writing to the principal or counselor and ask what the school's policy requires
Ask for a safety plan: who your child can go to, and changes to seating or schedules
Follow up in a week, in writing

Online

Use the app's report and block tools
Adjust privacy settings together
Threats of violence or sharing of private images: contact the police

Watch for warning signs

Changes in sleep, eating, mood or school avoidance
If your child talks about hurting themselves, call or text 988, or 911 in an emergency

General information from Caveat Academic Services, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules vary by state, school and college; confirm with each one.

Want help with this part? Your Caveat advisor can help you document, work with the school and keep school going while it is resolved.

Book a free 20-minute call See the Caveat shop

This tool is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Each college decides admission, aid and how credit counts, and requirements change; check each college's own pages. Examples are examples, not promises. Caveat Academic Services is an independent college preparation company. Students do all of their own work.