Ten Signs Your Child is Being Bullied

Children often don't want to tell parents or teachers that they are being bullied. Whatever the reason for their denial or silence, adults and other children can have a huge impact on a bullied child's self esteem and sense of self worth. This impact can be either negative or positive.

Signs of being bullied that you should watch for in your child are:

1. Although it may seem obvious, look for bruises, scratches, torn or damaged clothes. Also look at your child's belongings to make sure they have all of the items they took to school when they come home (personal belongings and/or school books). Kids may make excuses about how they lost items, fell down, etc. to cover up the real reason they have signs of a physical altercation or to explain how items are missing. While occasionally these excuses could be true, if these sorts of accidents are common you should look into what is actually going on.

2. If your child has a sudden, seemingly unexplainable dislike of school or social activities it may be due to bullying. The child may seem afraid or depressed when they have to go to school or other social activities with school peers.

3. If your child experiences a sudden change of eating or sleeping patterns, this could be in response to increased anxiety or worrying as a result of bullying.

4. If your child complains of aches and pains that a doctor can find no reason for, such as headaches or stomachaches

5. Your child is sad or depressed when he or she arrives home from school on a consistent basis (kids have bad moods just like adults, so they may just be having a bad day; however if it is frequent you should find out what is causing the depression/bad moods)

6. Your child loses interest in getting good grades or begins getting much lower grades than usual

7. If your child has few or no friends that they talk about or spend time with outside of school

8. Purposely tries to miss the school bus or be late for it so you have to give him a ride to school; or if she starts taking a different route when walking to school than usual

9. Suddenly or slowly over a longer period of time, begins to express lower self-esteem and sense of self worth

10. Exhibits personality changes, such as becoming more quiet, withdrawn, and secretive; may avoid conversation with you

If you think your child is being bullied, talk with them in an honest, open way. Don't pry or badger or the child may just become more secretive or withdrawn. Talk to other parents, teachers, and school personnel about your concerns with your child to see if they know what happens at school that may be causing your child's problems.

Sources:

Warning Signs that a Child is Being Bullied, http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/adults/tip-sheets/tip-sheet-07.aspx