Image of a teen boy laughing at something off camera.

Bullying behaviour and teenagers

There are a number of things that you can try to help your teenager if you think they are bullying others. If you'd like to understand more about what causes bullying and the impact it can have on teenagers and families, read the fact sheet on bullying behaviour and teenagers.

Otherwise, see below for suggestions on strategies to stop bullying and approaching your teenager about their bullying behaviour.

mother watching over son on computer

My teen has been called a bully, what should I do?

There are lots of practical steps you can take if your child has been called a bully.

adult and child talking seriously

Help your teenager develop empathy

If your child is bullying others, it might be because they haven't learnt about empathy.

View from behind of girl with arm around girl

What can I do if my teen shows bullying behaviour?

Learn about bullying behaviour and how to recognise if your child is bullying.

Related topics

Understanding teenage peer pressureTeenage bullyingLow self-esteem in teenagersTalking with your teen about mental health
ReachOut home
Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

© ReachOut Australia 2025

Terms and conditions | Privacy policy