[Arturiano]

It was a tough day for her at school. As she walked through the halls, a group of girls started making cruel comments about her weight. They laughed and whispered behind her back, calling her names that made her feel small and worthless. Every step felt heavier, and her heart sank with each remark. She tried to ignore them, but the words echoed in her mind, making her question herself. By the end of the day, she felt drained, like the weight of their words was more than she could bear.

If parents find out that their child is facing bullying at school, especially about their weight, it's important to act with support and understanding. Here are a few steps that can help:

Listen to the child: Give them the opportunity to express their feelings without judgment. Show that you care and that they can trust you.

Boost the child's self-confidence: Remind them of their strengths and uniqueness. Help them understand that weight is just one characteristic of a person and does not define their worth.

Discuss the situation with teachers: Parents should talk to teachers or the school counselor. The school should provide a safe environment, and educators need to be aware of what's happening to prevent bullying.

Strengthen resistance skills: Conversations on how to react to taunts can help the child feel more confident. Teach them how to stay calm and not take things personally.

Encourage activities that build self-esteem: Let the child engage in activities they enjoy that help them feel good about themselves (sports, arts, hobbies).

Psychological support: If the situation continues and the child is suffering, consulting a psychologist can help them learn how to manage emotions and find ways to cope with stress and low self-esteem.

The most important thing is for the child to know that they are not alone and that they are valuable just the way they are.