HOW TO SPOT THAT YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED
Many individuals, and parents, assume that bullying is something that every child goes through and that it is not a big deal. However, bullying is not only name calling or ignoring. Sometimes, present itself in severe ways, such as threats or actual violence.
More than one in five students report that they suffered bullying. The thought of your child experiencing bullying at a level of harassment or physical assault can be terrifying for any parent. What are some signs that your child is experiencing bullying at school?
Signs of bullying
Unexplained injuries, both large and small, are cause for concern and may suggest bullying. However, even if your child is experiencing bullying, it does not always mean that they will come home with broken bones or black eyes. There are some subtle signs that parents can watch out for, including:
- Skipping school, faking sick or not wanting to go to school
- Low self-esteem
- Trouble falling asleep and/or nightmares
- Asking for a ride to school instead of taking the bus
- Change in at-home behavior
It can be important to spark conversations with your child to determine if they really are being bullied, or if they are changing their behaviors due to other reasons. It is wise to listen to your child without judgement or assumption.
If you discover that a schoolmate is bullying your child at school, it is beneficial to take action sooner rather than later. Notifying the school, such as your child’s teachers, can be helpful. If the bullying is physically harming or threatening toward your child, it may be wise to get authorities involved.