Create bullying-free zones

A bullying case can swallow up the whole of family life. Agree on times and arenas where the case is deliberately set aside — that gives everyone in the family the strength to see it through.

The bullying case can become all-consuming, and with good reason. It hurts to see your child in pain, it is shocking when schools do not do their part of the job and the bullying continues. It is painful when other families turn their backs on you. In a whirl of emotions you have to think clearly in order to find the best solutions for the child. The bullying case can become what you think about, talk about and work on 24/7. That is when bullying-free zones are important.

Take breaks. Choose times when the bullying case is left alone. Examples can be:

This weekend we are not going to talk about bullying. You can hardly prevent yourself from thinking about the bullying case, but it helps if it does not become a topic.
At this leisure activity we do not talk about bullying. It is a bullying-free zone.
During this holiday we do not talk about the bullying case.

Do focus on other, positive activities that are independent of the school environment and the bullying case. It can be a good breathing space and healthy for children and adults alike.

From the original FOMIS parents' guide (2018). The content is reviewed and updated.