Schools can be a breeding ground for bullying, and it’s on us to deal with both the perpetrators and the victims. Parents can introduce their kids to various coping mechanisms to manage non-physical bullying, such as disengaging from and de-escalating the situation, and relying on a support system of family and friends for guidance, therapist Rachel O’Neill suggests. If you suspect that your child might be a victim of bullying, here are some signs to indicate if that is indeed the case.

On the other side of the equation, teaching mindfulness can help to reduce bullies in schools, according to Positive Psychology Problem. According to a 2015 study on incorporating mindfulness in education, the benefits transcend an increased sense of empathy and understanding among classmates: Mindfulness can lead to better grades, better social skills and better emotional regulation.

The effects of bullying extend beyond inflicting emotional and psychological stress. Research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that high school students involved in bullying (either as a bully or as a victim of the practice) are at risk of suffering from poor sleep quality, which can snowball into a host of other issues such as reduced performance in the classroom. “A typical bully or victim is likely to experience difficulties in solving social problems and usually has negative attitudes and beliefs and poor interpersonal relationships. Researchers have found an association between involvement in bullying an a number of social stresses and psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, fears of going to school, and feelings being unsafe and unhappy at school.”