Child Bullying: What Are The Warning Signs?

Bullying is probably one of the most serious problems your child could ever experience. You may find this article helpful 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It is a fact that bullying can destroy the confidence of a child thus leaving them feeling worthless, frightened, withdrawn and alone.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.

Fewer friends than before, or has no friends these days.

Interest in school events has diminished.

Loss of appetite.

Torn clothes visible after returning from school.

Your child has unexplained cuts and bruises.

Personal items have been damaged, broken, or are missing.

Feeling sick before school, or has a headache, or stomach ache, and therefore does not want to attend school that day.

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

Comes home from school with torn clothes.

No desire to take the bus to school.

Personal belongings have been damaged, broken, or been stolen.

Lunch money has been taken.

Says they do not want to take the bus to school anymore.

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

In our modern world of technology many children have a cell/mobile phone and Internet access. It is a fact that children often share their email addresses and phone numbers with their friends, but the sad fact is that friendships can easily come to an end and their personal information can, in some cases, be used against them to cause maximum hurt and embarrassment.

Therefore, has your child got a cell/mobile phone? If so, it could be your child is receiving insulting, threatening or vulgar text messages. Unpleasant messages may also be left by the bully on the answer phone. Do you really 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.

Careful and thorough investigation is necessary and it is only when this has been done will you be able to confirm or otherwise whether or not your child is being bullied. Once you know this, you can then take whatever action is needed to remedy any bullying. Whatever you do, do not leave anything to chance. Keep your eyes and ears open and as soon as you suspect anything, take action quickly.

Criminal Records | Criminal Record | Public Record Finder | People Search | Background Checks | Background Check Gateway | | Public Record | Lookup Anyone | People Lookup

Author: Florrie Poff can help you to defeat child bullying fast. For Defeat Bullying Strategies sign up to her Defeat Bullying Newsletter and download Two Free eBook Chapters
This and other unique content bullying articles are available with free reprint rights.

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5  

Not yet Rated | Article Directory
Child Bullying: What Are The Warning Signs?

Please Rate this Article