Parents Intervention

  Stephanie Steiner, the director of The Matrix Parents Network, said:

“without timely and appropriate intervention, students with disbilties who experience bullying will have increased problems that will likely make it more difficult to meet their special needs. Parents must always intervene” (Walk-a-mile-in-their-shoes, p.15).

  Parents must be the primary manager and advocates of their children with disabilities. For that reason, in order to prevent and solve the issues of school bullying that often targets disabled students, parents of disabled infants, children and youth should be provided with some training programmes and information about anti-bullying and some parental intervention strategies (Walk-a-mile-in-their-shoes, 2012).

Image from <http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/indexes/2011/twt_20111007.htm>

The organisation called "The Matrix Parents Network" demonstrates best practices for parents:

1. Be aware that adult intervention can often be felt as not helpful by students and bring more harassment from bullies.
2. Be observant of a child's behaviour, moods and appearance, particularly if one thinks that a child is 'at risk' for being bullied.
3. If a parent suspects something is wrong, talk with the child.
4. Don't blame the child. 
5. Get details from the child about the incident(s).
6. Stay focused on the child and the issue.
7. If appropriate, use problem solve or brainstorm intervention strategies with the child.
8. Bullying should NEVER be ignored.
9. Talk with all pertinent school staff.
10. Make sure that the staff speaks with the bully and victim SEPARATELY. 
11. If needed, ask for a general or an IEP meeting to discuss the situation and solutions.
12. Record dates, who was involved, what was said. 
13. A written complaints
14. Seek the help of outside professionals, such as a paediatrician or mental health provider. 
15. Consult with outside organisations
16. If physical signs of the bullying exist, take a photo.
17. For the younger child, volunteering in his/her classroom is helpful.
18. Discuss the issue of bullying with other parents or in a support group.
19. Continue to assess and monitor the child.

(Walk-a-mile-in-their-shoes, p.17)