No child should have to deal with bullying—especially not over something they can’t control, like incontinence. But sadly, kids who experience things like bedwetting, daytime wetting or soiling can sometimes face teasing or exclusion. This can really take a toll on their confidence, social life, and emotional wellbeing.

The good news? You’re not alone in this. There are ways to support your young ones, boost their self-esteem, and help them navigate these tough moments. 

In this blog, we’ll talk about the link between childhood incontinence and bullying, and share some practical tips and resources to help your kids feel safe, confident, and supported.

If you or your child need immediate mental health support, you can contact SOS Amitié at 09 72 39 40 50 (available 24/7) or visit Fil Santé Jeunes for free, confidential support.

Let’s tackle this together.

Bedwetting in Kids

Bedwetting is way more common than you might think—especially in older kids and teens. In fact, in France, around 9.2% of kids aged 5-15 experience it [1]. 

There are a bunch of reasons why this happens, including:

• Bladder still maturing – Some kids’ bladders just aren’t ready to hold it all night.
• Super deep sleepers – Some kids sleep so soundly they don’t wake up when their bladder is full.
• Medical reasons – Things like diabetes, neurological conditions or UTIs can play a role too.

We know it can be frustrating (for both you and your kid!), but the most important thing to remember is: bedwetting is not a behavioural issue. It’s just something they’ll grow out of with time. No shame, no blame - just patience, support, and open conversations to help them feel confident and comfortable.

How Bullying Impacts Little Ones

Let’s be real - getting bullied sucks! But when it’s about something like incontinence, it can feel extra tough. Kids dealing with this might go through a whole rollercoaster of emotions, including:

Feeling embarrassed or ashamed 

No one likes being singled out, and bullying can make kids feel isolated and self-conscious.

A big hit to their confidence 

Constant teasing or exclusion can chip away at their self-esteem, making them doubt themselves.

Social anxiety creeping in 

The fear of being bullied again might make them want to avoid social situations altogether.

Mental health struggles 

Ongoing stress from bullying can lead to anxiety or even depression, making everything feel even harder.

Bottom line? Bullying can have a huge emotional impact, but with the right support, kids can regain their confidence and feel empowered.

Helping Your Kid Handle Bullying Like a Superhero

If your child is dealing with bullying because of incontinence, here are some ways to help them feel stronger, safer, and more supported:

Keep the convo open

Let your child know they can talk to you about anything without fear of judgment. Just being heard can make a huge difference.

Remind them they’re not alone

Make it super clear that you’ve got their back, no matter what. Loop in other family members too, so they feel surrounded by support.

Empower them

Help them understand that incontinence isn’t their fault. Tons of kids experience it, and there are ways to manage it. No shame, just solutions!

Hype them up

Focus on their strengths! Whether it’s sports, music, art, or gaming, encourage activities that make them feel good about themselves. Confidence is a game-changer.

Team up with the school 

Don’t let bullying slide. Reach out to teachers or school staff, most schools have anti-bullying policies that can help put a stop to it.

At the end of the day, your child is so much more than their incontinence—and with the right support, they can come out of this even stronger.

Helping Your Child Manage Incontinence with Confidence

When kids feel in control of their incontinence, it can make a huge difference—not just for their confidence, but also for reducing bullying triggers. Here are some easy, practical ways to help:

Bladder training

Work with a doctor to create a plan that helps your child gradually hold their pee longer during the day. Small steps, big impact!

Stick to a routine

A little structure can go a long way. Help your child set up a bathroom schedule, limit drinks before bed, and build self-care habits that boost independence.

Make home a safe zone 

Waterproof bedding? Check. Furniture protectors? Check. Easy access to incontinence products? Double check. Creating a worry-free environment at home makes all the difference.

Use incontinence aids 

Absorbent pull-ups can be lifesavers. Our Nundies Youth Pants are designed to fit comfortably, and put a stop to leaks and odours - both day and night.

Celebrate the wins!

No matter how big or small, cheer them on for progress. Encouragement builds confidence, and confidence is everything.

With the right tools and support, your child can feel secure, empowered, and ready to take on the world—one dry night at a time!

What to Do if Your Child is Being Bullied About Incontinence

If your child opens up about being bullied, don’t wait—take action right away. Here’s what you can do:

Keep track of what's happening

Write down the details: dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. Having a record helps when addressing the issue.

Talk to the school 

Set up a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss what’s going on and what steps the school can take to stop it. Schools usually have anti-bullying policies in place.

Teach them how to handle it 

Look into anti-bullying programs that help kids build confidence and respond to bullies in a way that shuts things down.

Get professional support if needed 

If the bullying is intense or affecting your child’s mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a GP or psychologist for extra support.

Helpful Resources for Parents

Your child doesn’t have to go through this alone, and neither do you as a parent. With the right support, they can come out of this stronger and more confident.

You're not in this alone - there are plenty of resources in France that can offer support and guidance for both you and your child:

Fil Santé Jeunes 

If your child needs mental health support, Fil Santé Jeunes offers free and confidential counselling for young people. They’re available at 0 800 235 236 or online at www.filsantejeunes.com.

L’Association France Enurésie 

Provides educational resources, expert advice, and support services for managing childhood incontinence. Learn more at www.sphere-sante.com.

Réseau d’Apprentissage et d’Accompagnement des Parents (REAAP) 

Offers expert articles, practical tips, and support strategies for parenting challenges, including childhood incontinence and bullying. Visit www.mon-enfant.fr.

e-Enfance / 3018 

France’s national helpline for children facing bullying or cyberbullying. Parents can also get advice and guidance on tackling bullying. Reach them at 3018 or visit www.e-enfance.org.

Remember, incontinence is a treatable medical condition, and bullying is a preventable issue. By working with your child, their teachers, and healthcare professionals, you can create a supportive environment where they feel confident and resilient.

Childhood is meant for exploring, learning, and having fun. With love, support and practical tools, your child can overcome these challenges and build a happy, fulfilling future.