Warning Signs of Bullying

Have you ever wondered “how will I know if my child is being bullied?”, “Will I be able to help?”

There are many different warning signs that indicate whether or not someone is being bullied or being affected by it. Recognizing the warning signs is an important first step in taking action against bullying because not all children who are bullied ask for help.

It is very important to talk with children who exhibit ANY signs of being bullied. According to stopbullying.gov, “these signs can also point to other issues or problems, such as depression or substance abuse.” Talking to your child casually about their day everyday, can help identify the root of the problem.

Signs a Child is Being Bullied

As parents and guardians our duty is to look for changes in our children. But, be aware that not all children who are bullied exhibit signs.

Here are some signs that may point to a bullying problem:

• Unexplained injuries
• Lost or destroyed clothing, books, jewelry, or electronics.
• Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
• Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not get to eat their snack or lunch.
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares.
• Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school.
• Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations.
• Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide.
• Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem.

Children that are being bullied may feel helpless. At times kids try to handle these incidents on their own, in an attempt to feel in control and not be called a weak tattletale. Kids often fear backlash from the kid that bullied them. Bullying can be a humiliating experience. In some instances, kids don’t want adults to know what is being said about them, whether it is true or not. Kids may also feel afraid that the adults will judge them or punish them for being weak. All of these feelings result in social isolation and feeling like no one cares or understands and being rejected by their peers.

Again, these are just some of the signs a child may exhibit if they are being bullied. Every child reacts differently to these types of situations. This is why it is critical to keep an open line of communication with your children. Having a simple conversation with them about their day, can help to shed light on their social activities at school while creating a stronger bond between you and your and child.