Do not do this unless you are a trained professional!!!
When evaluating a child or adolescent who has been bullying others, it is helpful to understand the context in which the child or adolescent acted. It is also important to screen children who bully for ADHD, depression, suicidal, bipolar disorder, child maltreatment, and substance abuse. Ask the child or adolescent about exposure to violence in his/her home, neighborhood, and school, and through the media.
When talking with the child watch how their demeanor is, and how their body language is in relation to: comfort, expression, assertiveness, aggressions, etc.
Talk to family members whenever possible, in order to assess family functioning and any symptoms and distress (e.g., substance/alcohol abuse problems, mood disorders, and/or marital conflict). If parents are having difficulties, encourage them to seek help (e.g., from relatives, parent support groups, faith-based communities, mental health services) and make appropriate referrals.
A useful first step in addressing bullying is to provide guidance to parents or other caregivers:
Discuss the seriousness of the childs bullying behavior.
Help parents or caregivers to develop reasonable expectations for their child or adolescent.
Educate them about the negative effects of physical punishment.
Help them to develop strategies to set limits, to monitor and closely supervise their child's behavior, and to effectively discipline their child or adolescent.
Note that the school needs to keep an eye on this situation, not just the parents. They cannot be with the child at all times during the school cycle.
Encourage parents and caregivers to communicate and collaborate with staff at their school in order to develop a consistent approach to their child's bullying behavior.
When the bullying problem is severe, a combined intervention with both the child or adolescent and the family may be required, addressing the child's or adolescent's functioning in the areas of family life, relationship with peers, and school.
Primary care health professionals need to determine when mental health referrals for the child or adolescent and/or the family are appropriate and when social service and/or legal agencies should be involved. The school can ask that an evaluation be done on the child who is bullying others. The child who is a target should also be seen to clear any underlying problems up with any mental damages that could have happened as a result thereof.
If this does not cure the problem, it may be necessary to take into account the police and filing charges.
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Parents: Do not be afraid to file charges against a child from 2nd grade on up. The biggest problem today is that these children that are offenders escape the eye of the juvenile system.
When dealing with a school, remember to be focused, clear, and to the point. Document anything that happens, and if need be, we can send a letter to the school stating the fact your child has a right to be safe. We would be more than happy to do that. As a parent it can be frustrating to deal with a bully, abusive person, etc. In cases like these, you must learn to document well, and things to include are the date, time, and what exactly happened. You must document everything, including emails from the school, and talking to them on the phone. Remember, they document things, so you must also.