How to Prepare My Child for Name-Calling on the School Bus 

Parenting Perspective 

The school bus can feel like a world of its own; it is often less supervised, filled with chatter, and can become a testing ground for unkindness. Name-calling during these journeys can leave a child dreading every morning, especially when adults are not nearby to intervene. The goal is not to harden your child through forced silence, but to prepare them with calm confidence, verbal boundaries, and emotional resilience so they can manage the situation with wisdom and safety. 

Begin with Conversation, Not Warnings 

Instead of issuing a lecture like, “If anyone says something, just ignore them,” it is better to begin with an open dialogue. 

“Sometimes, children tease each other on the bus. If that were to happen, how do you think it would make you feel?” 

Allow them the space to express their fear, anger, or embarrassment. Then, you can gently reassure them: 

“It is okay to feel hurt by unkind words. But you can handle it with calm and strength; you do not need to shout or hide.” 

By naming the emotions and giving them permission to feel them, you help your child to become less reactive in the moment. 

Teach a Short and Steady Response 

When name-calling occurs, a child’s first instinct may be to argue or retaliate. It is helpful to practise short and firm replies at home. 

• “That is not my name. Please stop.” 

• “You can either speak kindly or not at all.” 

The key is to maintain a calm, not sharp, tone. The more emotion a child shows, the more satisfaction the other child may feel. True strength lies in stillness, not shouting. 

Practise Confident Body Language 

Help your child to practise how to sit or stand with calm strength: shoulders relaxed, eyes forward, and voice steady. Those who tease often target a reaction, and a non-reactive posture clearly communicates, “You do not control me.” Role-playing different bus scenarios can help your child to build the muscle memory needed to maintain composure while using their practised phrases. 

Discuss Safe Ways to Escalate 

If the bullying persists or becomes physical, your child must know exactly what to do. This may include moving closer to the driver, changing seats, or telling a trusted adult as soon as they get off the bus. Reassure them: 

“You are not tattling; you are protecting yourself in the right way.” 

Prepare them to describe what happened clearly. This teaches them that responsible reporting is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that dignity is preserved through patience and wisdom, not retaliation. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself endured mockery and harsh words but consistently met them with composure, prayer, and dignity. Preparing your child for name-calling involves teaching them this prophetic poise: a strength rooted in self-respect and faith. 

The Quranic Prohibition of Mockery 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujuraat (49), Verse 11: 

‘Those of you who are believers, do not let a nation ridicule another nation, as perhaps it may be that they are better than them…and do not insult each other; and do not call each other by (offensive) nicknames…’ 

This verse forbids name-calling outright and honours the dignity of every person. It is a reminder to children that mocking others is sinful, and that responding calmly to such behaviour reflects the manners of a true believer. 

The Prophetic Example of Noble Speech 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6136, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak what is good or remain silent.’ 

This Hadith beautifully trains children to master their speech by encouraging them to either speak with goodness or not at all. It reinforces the idea that responding to teasing does not require harsh words; sometimes, silence and restraint can speak more powerfully. 

When you prepare your child for name-calling, you are not just teaching them self-protection; you are teaching them self-possession, the ability to remain composed when tested. 

Over time, they will learn that real strength is not found in matching insult for insult. It is about standing tall with quiet dignity, knowing that their worth comes from Allah Almighty, not from the fleeting words of others. That calm assurance is the best shield they will ever carry.