Child Bullying: The Warning Signs

Of all the problems your child could experience, bullying is probably one of the most serious. This article helps you to identify some of the signs that may indicate your child is being bullied.

Any behavior that intimidates or causes your child distress, hurt or pain whether emotionally, physically or a combination of these is regarded as bullying. There is no particular reason why a child may be susceptible to being bullied. For example, a child may be bullied because they wear contact lenses, or because of their appearance, religion, race, signs of poverty, family break-up, being shy or quiet. A child that stands out to be different from other children is usually picked on by the bully because the bully feels they can easily be bullied.

It is a fact that bullying can destroy the confidence of a child thus leaving them feeling worthless, frightened, withdrawn and alone. The consequences of bullying if not stopped quickly could impact on a child for many years.

In the recent past several surveys of children have been undertaken and many have found that more than half said that they had been bullied at school. Most schools have in place an anti-bullying policy. However, despite this it would appear that bullying continues to be a major issue for children of all ages in our society today.

Being able to recognize the tell-tale signs that might indicate that your child is being bullied in school, or at a club or society that your child may attend is one of the most important things that parents need to learn and apply. Whilst these signs can be a useful indicator they do not necessarily point to bullying. However, the following are signs to look out for:

Reduced appetite.

Feeling sick in the morning, or has a headache, or stomach ache, and therefore does not want to go to school.

Shows high levels of anxiety.

A change in the behavior of your child might be they have become moody, depressed, tearful, or possibly quiet and withdrawn.

Torn clothes visible after returning from school.

Visible signs of being anxious.

Money for lunch has been taken.

Not wanting to take the bus to school.

Has lost interest in studying and school grades have recently fallen.

A loss of appetite.

The development of low self-esteem when previously this was not a problem.

Interest in school work and school grades have fallen recently.

Walks to school using a differant route than used previously.

Unexplained cuts and bruises.

Interest in school work has deteriorated and school grades have recently fallen.

Nowadays, because of modern technology many children have a cell/mobile phone and Internet access. Phone numbers and email addresses are often shared with friends. However, friendships can easily end and personal information can later be used against a child to cause pain and embarrassment.

So the question is: Does your child have a cell/mobile phone? A bully could be sending your child rude, threatening or horrible text messages. Unpleasant messages may also be left on an answer phone. Do you know if this is happening to your child?

The bully may also be sending your child threatening emails, or several children may be carrying out a very unpleasant campaign against your child through emails or unmonitored Internet chat rooms. Therefore, it is very important that parents monitor the use of these modern methods of communication and check how these are affecting your child.

It is possible that if your child is suffering in any way, that the cause is not bullying but something else. Your child might be genuinely unwell. But as you will know your child better than anyone else, you are in the best position to determine what the problem really is and seek medical help when necessary.

You will be able to confirm or otherwise whether or not your child is being bullied only when you carry out a careful and thorough investigation. When you have identified any problem you will then be able to take whatever action is needed to remedy the situation for your child. It is vital for your child that you do not leave anything to chance so be vigilant and take action when necessary.

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Author: Florrie Poff can help you to defeat child bullying. For Defeat Bullying Strategies sign up to her Defeat Bullying Newsletter and get Two Free eBook Chapters
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