Warning Signs of Bullying

Do you suspect your child is being bullied at school, but you’re just not sure? Maybe your ​child becomes sad or cries when you ask how school was. Maybe your child, who is usually agreeable, has suddenly become grouchy with you all the time. These are just two of the warning signs of bullying. Here are some others:

• Your child’s behavior has changed.
• Your child seems to be withdrawn, worried or easily upset.
• Your child constantly finds reasons to stay home from school. This could be a sign he or she doesn’t want to go to school.
• Your child complains of stomachaches, headaches or other pains. This could be a sign he or she is under stress and the stress is showing up as physical problems.
• At school, your child frequently goes to the nurse’s office or another place away from other children.
• Your child normally does well in school but has started doing poorly.
• Your child has abruptly stopped doing things he or she enjoys or has stopped hanging out with friends.
• Your child avoids telling you anything about his or her school day.
• Your child suddenly is having trouble sleeping or suffers from nightmares.
• Your child is suddenly missing property or coming home with damaged property.
• Your child or teen becomes anxious or worried when checking text messages or using social media. This could be a sign of cyberbullying.

If you recognize one or more of these warning signs, talk to your child’s teacher or a school administrator to get more information and let them know what you think may be happening. Avoid talking to the parents of the child who may be bullying your child. Rather, make sure the school is aware of the issue and is addressing it. Ask if you can do anything to assist with the issue at home.

Sometimes children who are bullied believe that changing schools and getting a fresh start will fix the problem. Changing schools is not the answer. It won’t be an option for your child to change things that are equally important later in life, such as a job or the community where he or she lives. It takes strength and courage, but your child must learn to face this situation.