Think tanks are burning the midnight oil to find different solutions to the problem of bullying in the US. Each state is churning out its own creative ideas to counter the threats of bullying. Some have reached the conclusion that kindness, compassion and humility are in fact useful in toning down the prevailing bullying culture. So, how to prevent bullying when all other options have been exhausted? Simple: Show compassion and kindness.

“Teaching them to show respect to each other is more effective than saying, ‘Don’t be a bully,'” said Brian Meyer, operations director for the Illinois state's Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports network. The network provides schools with information on the latest anti-bullying methods.

Treating others with respect

Teach your children to respect differences in race, religion, appearance, and gender among their peers as it is wrong to ridicule others on the basis of these. Getting your child involved in a group that has kids from other backgrounds can help him/her to find a common ground with other people.

Setting an example

You should be very careful about how you handle problems and conflicts around your children. This also means that you have to use your words carefully in front of the little ones. Always try to talk in a positive tone around kids to help them learn to cope with their problems in a civilized way.

Natural born empathizer

Humans would boastfully tell you that they are fundamentally selfish animals. This impression has been blown to smithereens by neuroscience which suggests that empathy is not only innate in humans but other species of the animal kingdom as well. For instance, in different studies carried out on chimps in the wild, researchers found out that chimps would protest unfair treatment of fellow chimps. Humanity, please hang your head in shame after reading this. Thank you.

Do unto others

Young children should be constantly reminded to sometimes walk in someone else’s shoes. This would help them to understand the feelings of others while also enabling them to think before they leap or speak. In addition, talk to your kids about how they would feel if someone made fun of them or targeted them unnecessarily. The road to kindness always starts with empathy. Practice it!

The power of words

Kids nowadays seem to shun the wisdom of the old for the more happening street smartness. This is where the role of parents is important in teaching kids some old school tricks. For instance, teaching children to speak only when necessary is a good way to start their education.

A smile goes a mile

Another important thing to teach your child is being friendly with his/her peers and to smile when interacting with others. This does not mean that your child should act the same around shady strangers or in the presence of bad company.

Valuable as they are

Saying things like ‘thank you’ and ‘please’ never went out of fashion as might have been believed earlier. In fact these words are as effective today as they were decades ago and can help children integrate into larger groups with ease.

Spoiled brats are out of fashion

The defining characteristic of kind children is their sensibility towards their parents/sibling and people in general. These kids understand that their parents cannot buy them everything that they wish to possess. Such an attitude makes them thankful for what they have, makes them patient, and help them exercise self-control. Kindness can also teach kids as how to deal with bullying and how not to engage in bullying.

Feeling can be defined in words

Identify and label the different sets of emotions that humans feel under different circumstances. If your child lends a helping hand to someone, remember to provide them with words for what they might be feeling at that point. For example, telling them that being kind to a certain kid must have felt good can help them grasp the concept quickly. Do the same for negative behavior and in time they would understand your wise advice.