Is there anything a parent can do about relational bullying?

Relational bullying or relational aggression is the intention to harm others through deliberate manipulation of their social standing and relationships. For example: spreading rumors about someone so others won't like them or asking someone to join their group and then at the last minute excluding them. If you are on good terms with the parent of the child doing the bullying is it ok to talk to that parent about it?

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Fluffybull · F

Parents should step in to stop bullying.

REMsleep · 41-45, F

@Fluffybull But she said that it is relational bullying. This can be something like a child asking you to play and when you walk over they say nevermind.
What can really be done about this?
If a parent talks to the offending child's parent the bad child will definitely take it out on the bullied kid more.
You can't regulate mean kids. If it was straightforward bullying then it would be easier to stop.
I would instruct my child to avoid this bully but to understand that bullying is everywhere. Often these bullies pick on the children that seem most affected by their actions.

Fluffybull · F

@REMsleep "Relational bullying". Hmm, that's the latest woke phrase is it. Ok, go ahead and let kids feel like c**p then.

RedBaron · M

@REMsleep Call it "relational" or whatever the latest fashionable buzzword is, but bullying is bullying is bullying.

morrgin · F

@REMsleep your right there isn't alot to do. I can only step in if it starts getting habitually cruel. Until then I can only be supportive, talk about alternative reactions, keep her active with activities, do good with homework, remind her of her good qualities, and help her stay in contact with her friendships she has outside of school.

REMsleep · 41-45, F

@morrgin I think that you are correct. Oftentimes these parents know what kind of child that they have and they oftem pick up nasty behavior from the parents themselves.
I would encourage your daughter to join an activity in order to widen her circle and make sure never to let the bully see you sweat. They feed on fear and weakness.