Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

When Your Child Is Bullied, These 4 Steps Could Change Everything [with Prof. Donna Cross, Part 2]

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Episode notes

Half of Aussie kids say they’ve been bullied in the past year — and for some, it’s relentless. If your child is caught in the middle of it, you can feel powerless, worried, and desperate for answers.

In this powerful conversation, Professor Donna Cross shares a simple but life-changing 4-step approach to help your child feel heard, supported, and in control — plus what to try when you’ve “done it all” and nothing changes. You’ll learn:

• The hidden signs your child is struggling (and what not to miss)

• Why face-to-face bullying is still more common than cyberbullying

• The LATE model — a simple framework to guide every conversation

• Why walking or sitting side-by-side helps kids open up

• How to help when the bullying won’t stop — even after trying everything

• When changing schools is worth considering (and how to make it work)

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QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"Don’t take the wheel — take the ride. Let your child lead the conversation so they keep their sense of control."

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RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Part 1 of our interview with Professor Donna Cross.
• Friendly Schools - An evidence-based whole-school approach to social & emotional wellbeing & bullying prevention.
• Bullying No Way - Professional learning resources.
• Professor Donna Cross’s research on bullying prevention and intervention
• Happy Families resources on bullying
• When Your Child is Bullied: A Calm, Practical Guide for Parents [HF Article]
• Rebecca Sparrow's friendship resources for parents and kids (Australia's "Friendship Whisperer")
• Rebecca Sparrow's friendship resources for schools and educators
• No Bullying Week: "Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up."
• Kid's Helpline for Bullying
• Spotlight on cyberbullying - a resource for schools
• The eSafety Commissioner's Guide to Cyberbullying
• Webinars for schools - designed for 3/4 and 5/6 students (Bullying No Way 2025)

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ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Watch for warning signs — changes in mood, friendships, or routines.
2. Use the LATE approach when your child opens up. 
   • L – Listen without rushing to take over.
   • A – Acknowledge the hurt (“That sounds really tough”).
   • T – Talk about options, letting your child lead the ideas.
   • E – End with encouragement and keep the door open for future talks.
3. Role-play tricky situations to build your child’s confidence and coping skills.
4. Engage the school early and keep them informed — especially during transitions.
5. Encourage bystander support skills in your child’s friendship group.
6. If necessary, consider a school change — but plan supports to prevent the bullying from following them.

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