Our COO, Laura Batchelor shares with us her experience of raising two boys and the challenges that come with boys getting bullied.
As a Mum of two boys, aged 8 and 10, I’ve experienced firsthand the joys and challenges that come with raising children in today’s world. One challenge that often goes unspoken is bullying—particularly when it happens to boys. While society may sometimes assume boys are resilient or “tough enough” to brush off teasing or harsh treatment, the reality is that boys get bullied, too. And like all children, they need support, understanding, and, most importantly, a safe space to open up about their feelings.
Breaking the Silence: Boys and Emotional Vulnerability
From a young age, boys are often encouraged to “man up,” hide their emotions and deal with things on their own. Whether it’s from cultural expectations or peer pressure, this message can make boys feel that showing vulnerability is a weakness. Unfortunately, when bullying occurs—whether it’s verbal, physical, or even online—many boys might internalise their hurt rather than reach out for help.
This is why I believe that fostering a strong relationship with your boys, built on trust and open communication, is essential. If they know that they can talk to you without judgment or fear of disappointment, they’ll be more likely to share what’s really going on in their lives! Just the same as girls, if not more so, they need to feel safe, seen, and heard.
Small Steps Make Big Differences
I’ve found that connecting with my own boys often happens in the quiet, everyday moments… Whether it’s during a car ride to football practice or while we’re doing something as simple as putting clothes away together, those are the times when they feel comfortable enough to talk. It doesn’t always have to be a formal “sit down and let’s discuss your feelings” conversation. Sometimes, it can be the little questions like, “How was your day?” or “How are your friends?” that opens the door to deeper conversations.
One evening, after what seemed like a normal day, my 10-year-old started sharing that one of his classmates had been teasing him about his teeth. It wasn’t dramatic, and there was no physical touch involved, but it was enough to hurt his confidence. If I hadn’t asked or been available to listen, I might have missed that opportunity to remind him that teasing isn’t acceptable and that he’s valued just as he is. It’s those small windows into their world that give us the chance to support them when they need it most.
Recognising the Signs of Bullying
It’s not always easy to tell if your child is being bullied, especially if they’re reluctant to talk about it. But I’ve learned to watch for subtle signs, like changes in mood, reluctance to go to school, or sudden disinterest in activities they once loved. Not wanting to go to football practice is a big thing in this household! Sometimes, boys don’t have the words to describe what they’re feeling, but their actions can speak volumes.
That’s why keeping an open dialogue with your boys is so important. If they know they can come to you without fear of being misunderstood or dismissed, they’ll be more likely to share when something isn’t right and they need your support.
Teaching Empathy and Confidence
As well as being a supportive listener, I try to equip my boys with the tools to handle difficult situations, whether it’s standing up to a bully or knowing when to ask for help. We talk about the importance of kindness, not just to others but to themselves. I want them to understand that it’s okay to feel hurt and to express their emotions and that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Helping boys build their confidence and self-worth is crucial. They need to know that their value doesn’t come from how “tough” they are or how well they fit into any stereotypical mould but instead from their unique qualities, kindness, and resilience.
Keep the Conversation Going
As parents, we can’t always prevent bullying, but we can make sure that our boys know they don’t have to face it alone. Keeping the lines of communication open, even when it seems like they don’t have much to say, is key to helping them feel safe and supported. Sometimes, they just need to know that we’re there, ready to listen and that their feelings matter!
Boys get bullied too—and as parents, we have the power to help them navigate these challenges by fostering a strong, trusting relationship. I try to keep the conversation going, today and every day, and remind my boys that they can always come to me, no matter what.
Feel free to share your thoughts with us, or if you’re going through something similar with your children, know that you’re not alone. Let’s support each other on this journey of raising strong, emotionally healthy boys!
