Description of technique:
Frankly, after reading several of the techniques posted, I am surprised.

Violence may or may not solve a bully situation but, what are other consquences to telling our kids to go beat the tar out of someone else? Does anyone else think that far ahead? Seriously?

Times have changed from when most of us parents were in school. We didn't have the guns, knives, or other kids going postal. Recent events should seriously make a parent think twice about telling their child to take a ball bat or some other weapon to school to use as a prop against a bully. Unfornately, even in these boards it doesn't.

Dealing with a bully can be a difficult trial for any child or teen and parent. It is a sensitive issue where there are no right answers because no one knows what is going to work for the situation.
However, it is surprising that soo many parents overlook the importance of devloping self-confidence in our children.
Bullies are more inclined to pick on someone whose self-confidence is minimal. Why? Simply because kids with low self-confidence are more prone to simply walking away without a scene. They are quick to sediate the bully just to get the situation over with. Which in a sense is understandable but, doesn't prevent future encounters.

Help build your child's confidence by encouraging participation in activities such as, cub or girl scouts, activities held by most public libraries (for younger kids), for older kids, encourage sports, school plays, volunteer work, etc.

A few suggestions to try, are requesting a meeting with a school offical, your child and yourself, give your child positive statements to confront the bully with. Sometimes a shout or witty remark is enough to back down a bully. Contact local authoritites, and remember the position of prinicipal is not the highest ranking position for school officals. Consulting with the Bully's parents is always a last resort effort, as most parents do not take criticism of their child well. It is also wise that if and when the time calls for confronting the *other parents* to have a school or authority offical present, to help mediate. Look into a restraining orders for severe cases of bullying.
Sometimes a child is positioned into fighting their bully. There's not much you can do about this. Don't encourage your child to beat their bully senseless but, if you feel that is what the situation is leading up to, regardless of other actions, instruct your child with defensive moves and not vital offensive ones. If you don't know any, find someone who does. Defensive moves against a bully are to disable the bully from striking, so your child can get away. Vital moves that seriously injure the bully are grounds for assault charges and law suits, as well as, being expelled. A bruised ego is better than a criminal record.

As a parent, get involved. Doing something is better than nothing and shows your child that you care.

Age group this technique is effective for:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond