When Bullying Affects Your Child
Why Counseling Can Be a Powerful Source of Support
With winter break approaching, this is a valuable time for parents to check in with their child about their friendships, academic performance, and overall mental wellbeing. An important topic to discuss is your child’s relationships with their friends, peers, and teachers. Bullying can have lasting emotional effects on a child, making it especially important for parents to foster open, ongoing conversations at home.
The Long-Term Impact of Bullying
A large population-based study from Finland examined the relationship between childhood bullying and mental health outcomes in young adults aged 18 to 28 (Palmu & Partonen, 2024). The findings revealed a significant association between childhood bullying and later suicidality, increased use of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications, and reduced work ability.
For parents, this study underscores the importance of addressing bullying early rather than hoping a child will simply “outgrow it.” Counseling offers a space where children and adolescents can process their experiences safely, build resilience, and develop healthier coping strategies before long-term patterns take hold.
Why Family Counseling Matters
A comprehensive review of bullying research by Powell and Ladd (2010) emphasizes the importance of viewing bullying through a systemic lens. Bullying takes many forms, including physical aggression, relational aggression, and social exclusion. Bullying is characterized by repeated behavior, harmful intent, and power imbalances. Children who experience bullying often struggle with low self-esteem, limited peer relationships, and difficulty asserting themselves.
Family dynamics play a significant role in both bullying and victimization. Low parental involvement, lack of warmth, overprotectiveness, or unclear boundaries can increase vulnerability. Family therapy approaches have been shown to reduce bullying behaviors and improve family functioning.
For parents, this means counseling is not about assigning blame. Instead, it is about strengthening relationships, improving communication, and creating an environment where children feel supported, confident, and understood.
Counseling as a Resource for Parents and Children
Seeking counseling for bullying does not mean a parent has failed or that something is “wrong” with their child. On the contrary, it reflects a proactive commitment to a child’s emotional well-being. Therapy can help parents better understand their child’s experiences, learn effective ways to support them, and address family patterns that may unintentionally contribute to stress or isolation.
Bullying can leave children feeling alone, powerless, and unheard. Counseling creates a space for connection, understanding, and healing. With the right support, children can rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships, and move forward with greater resilience.
How we can help
New Vine counseling offers in-person and virtual therapy for children and teens who experience bullying. Our staff uses family-based and individual approaches to help youth develop healthy coping skills, resilience, confidence, and assertive communication skills. Want more information? Give us a call today at (323)-639-8463.
Written by: Kaitlyn Hammil, MFT-Intern
Article References
Palmu, R., & Partonen, T. (2024). Childhood bullying as a predictor of suicidality in young adults in a nationwide population-based health examination study. Archives of Suicide Research : Official Journal of the International Academy for Suicide Research, 28(4), 1380–1389. https://doi.org/10.1080/13811118.2024.2307891
Powell, M.D., & Ladd, L.D. (2010). Bullying: a review of the literature and implications for family therapists. American Journal of Family Therapy, 38(3), 189–206. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926180902961662