The Children's Tumor Foundation
10/06/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/06/2025 08:58
Together Against Bullying: A Guide for Parents and Teens Living with NF
October is Anti-Bullying Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on an issue that affects millions of families every year. For those living with NF, the challenges of bullying can feel especially close to home and add to the challenges of school.
But we want families to know they are not alone, and there are concrete steps parents and teens can take together to prevent, address, and overcome bullying. This guide explores what bullying looks like, the warning signs to watch for, and practical strategies for building resilience and confidence, so families can face these challenges together.
What Is Bullying? Understanding the Challenges for Teens with NF
At its core, bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It can happen at school, online, or even in social groups. For families in the NF community, bullying may take unique forms, including:
Traditional bullying: Teasing, name-calling, pushing, or being left out of group activities.
Cyberbullying: Hurtful comments, spreading rumors on social media, exclusion from group chats, or sharing private information online.
Appearance-based bullying: Targeting children and teens for visible NF symptoms, such as café-au-lait spots, tumors, or medical devices.
Acknowledging bullying for what it is matters. When parents and teens can identify the behaviors clearly, they're better prepared to have deeper conversations at home, to know what to say when speaking with schools, and to access the right resources. Naming the problem creates space for solutions.
Signs of Bullying Parents Should Watch For
Not all children or teens will tell someone when they are being bullied. Sometimes the signs are subtle, and it takes a watchful eye to notice. Parents should be aware of:
Emotional signs: Sudden anxiety, frequent tears, irritability, or withdrawing from family activities.
Physical signs: Unexplained bruises, damaged belongings, or frequent headaches and stomachaches.
School-related signs: Declining grades, skipping school, or avoiding certain classmates or activities.
Online signs: Spending much more-or much less-time on devices, deleting social media accounts, or becoming unusually secretive about online activity.
If you notice these patterns, it's important to approach your child or teen with patience and support, making it clear that you are there to listen without judgment.
Anti-Bullying Tips for Parents of Kids and Teens with NF
A child sits on the ground against a brick wall with head resting on folded arms and knees drawn up, appearing withdrawn or upset.Parents play a crucial role in creating safe, supportive environments at home, in schools, and online. Here are practical steps you can take:
1. Listen and believe
When a child or teen opens up about bullying, the most important first step is to listen and believe them. Avoid minimizing the experience-validate their feelings and reassure them that you're in this together.
While it is difficult to hear your child's pain, try to avoid jumping straight into solutions. Sometimes what they need most is to feel heard and believed. A calm, supportive response helps them feel safe to keep sharing, and provides the foundation for exploring solutions together.
2. Partner with schools
Schools are required to have bullying prevention policies. Reach out to teachers, counselors, and administrators to share what your child is experiencing.
Ask specifically:
How are incidents documented?
What supports can be put in place to protect your child?
What steps will be taken to prevent repeated incidents?
Keep communication open and collaborative, emphasizing that you want to work as a team for your child's well-being.
3. Understand rights
Every student has the right to an education in a safe environment. Many states have anti-bullying legislation, and schools must comply. The federal government also offers guidance through StopBullying.gov, which outlines students' rights and parents' options if schools don't respond adequately. Knowing these rights empowers you to advocate effectively for your child.
4. Address cyberbullying
Stay informed about your child's online activity. Today's teens often know more about phones, apps, and social media than their parents. Rather than monitoring from a place of control (which can feel like punishment to the victim of bullying), work with your teen to set digital safety strategies. This might include privacy settings, blocking harassing accounts, saving screenshots of hurtful messages, and reporting abuse to the platform. By treating your teen as a partner in this process, you reinforce their agency while providing backup support.
Coping with Bullying: Confidence-Building Tips for Teens with NF
Bullying is never the fault of the person being targeted. But facing it can feel exhausting and lonely. These strategies are designed to help teens build strength and support while remembering that asking for help is never a weakness:
1. Know it's not your fault
Remember your worth. NF is only one part of who you are-it does not define your value. One way to fight back is to rewrite the story in your head: "This behavior says more about them than it does about me." Try practicing affirmations or reminders like:
"I am more than NF."
"I deserve respect and kindness."
"Their words don't define me."
It might sound simple, but over time, reminding yourself of these truths can lessen the sting of cruel comments.
2. Find allies
Surround yourself with people who lift you up-whether it's a friend, a coach, a teacher, or other teens with NF who understand your journey. Support networks make challenges easier to handle. Having even one ally who listens without judgment can make a huge difference.
3. Digital safety strategies
If bullying happens online, use tools available to you: block accounts, adjust privacy settings, and report harmful content. Focus on positive spaces where you can connect with supportive communities.
Your digital world belongs to you. Don't be afraid to step back from toxic platforms. Curate feeds with voices that uplift you. Being intentional online can help you reclaim a sense of control.
4. Use evidence-based coping tools
Psychologists recommend practical strategies for easing stress and regaining control:
Deep breathing or grounding techniques when you feel overwhelmed.
Journaling to process emotions in a private, safe way.
Creative outlets (music, drawing, writing, sports) to channel energy into something positive.
These aren't just distractions-they're proven ways to reduce the emotional impact of bullying.
5. Know when to ask for help
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness-it's a sign of strength. If bullying is affecting your sleep, school performance, or mental health, reach out to someoneA child holds up hands with "stop bullying" written on the palms, looking up at the camera. you trust. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your parents first, you might start with a counselor, teacher, or even a helpline.
How to Stop Bullying: Working Together as a Family
Bullying is tough to face alone, but families who work together often find strength in unity. Here's how parents and teens can take a team approach:
Open conversations: Make time to talk about school, friendships, and online activity. Keep the lines of communication open without pressuring your child to share before they're ready.
Shared activities: Build resilience together through sports, hobbies, or family projects. Positive experiences outside of school or online can restore confidence.
Celebrate strengths: Remind each other of your talents and accomplishments. Focusing on the positives can help balance the negativity of bullying experiences.
Practice empathy and kindness: Families that model compassion at home reinforce those values in the wider community.
Research shows that young people who feel supported by their families are more likely to recover from the effects of bullying, maintain stronger mental health, and thrive socially. The power of a connected family cannot be overstated: it reminds teens that they are never alone, and that together, healing and growth are possible.
Hope for the Future: Building Inclusive Schools and Online Spaces
The ultimate goal is not just to respond to bullying but to create environments where it's less likely to happen in the first place. Families, educators, and peers can all play a role:
Educators can set the tone by fostering inclusive classrooms and responding quickly to incidents.
Peers can be allies by standing up when they see bullying, offering support to classmates with NF, and modeling kindness.
Communities can spread awareness about NF, reducing stigma and encouraging understanding.
Anti-Bullying Awareness Month is a reminder that building inclusive spaces is everyone's responsibility. By raising awareness of NF and promoting kindness, we can help create a world where all children and teens feel safe and supported.
Resources
Bullying may feel overwhelming, but no family has to face it alone. Parents and teens can take steps together to build resilience, find allies, and create safer environments both in schools and online. These resources are designed for both parents and teens in the NF community, so you can find guidance, encouragement, and hope when you need it most:
Teen-Friendly Resources
StopBullying.gov: Resources for Teens - Practical tools for recognizing, preventing, and responding to bullying.
Stomp Out Bullying Teen Help Chat - A free, confidential chat line for teens who want to talk to trained volunteers.
Teens Against Bullying (PACER) - A site created with stories, advice, and creative ways to take a stand.
Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 support if bullying is affecting your mental health or safety.
CTF Resources
NF Parent Guidebook - A comprehensive guide with information, strategies, and support for families navigating life with NF.
Stories of NF: Shaborah B. - A personal story of resilience that highlights the strength of the NF community.
Reading List for Young Readers: Books About Acceptance - Recommended books to help children build empathy, confidence, and understanding.
Reading List for Young Readers: Picture Books About Bullying - Kid-friendly books that encourage conversations about bullying and kindness.
Ask Kate! Help with Bullying - In this video, CTF's Patient Education Director, Kate Kelts, talks about bullying and what you can do about it.
The Children's Tumor Foundation published this content on October 06, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 06, 2025 at 14:58 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]