Child Bullying: The Warning Signs

By: Florrie Poff

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.

Bullying includes any behavior that threatens your child or causes distress, hurt or pain whether it is emotionally, physically or a combination of these. There are many reasons why a child may be the subject of bullying. A child may be bullied because they wear spectacles, or because of how they look, religion, race, signs of poverty, family break-up, being shy or even quiet. A child may be picked on when they stand out to be different from other children and so the bully feels this child can be easily targeted.

The confidence of a child can be destroyed by bullying leaving them feeling worthless, frightened, withdrawn and quite alone. The consequence of bullying could impact on the life of a child if not stopped quickly for many years.

The conclusion of numerous surveys of groups of children recently is that more than 50% said they had been bullied at school. It would appear that despite the fact that most schools have in place an anti-bullying policy, bullying continues to be a major issue for children of all ages.

Parents therefore need to learn how to spot the tell-tale signs that might indicate that their child is being bullied in school, or any club or society that he or she attends. These signs do not automatically point to bullying, but they can be a useful indicator. Here are some signs to check in your child:

Money for food and drink taken.

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

Not sleeping well and/or having bad dreams.

A change in the behavior of your child might be they have become moody, depressed, tearful, or possibly quiet and withdrawn.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

Does not sleep well and/or has bad dreams.

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

Fewer friends than before, or no friends at all.

Poor sleeping pattern and having bad dreams.

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.

Unexplained cuts and bruises.

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

Modern technology is wonderful and nowadays many children have a cell/mobile phone and Internet access. Children often share their phone and email details with their friends, but friendships can easily be broken and their personal information can be used against them to cause distress.

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?

Your child may also be bullied by receiving threatening emails or there may be a very unpleasant campaign carried out by several children against your child through emails or through unmonitored Internet chat rooms. In this regard, parents clearly need to closely monitor the use of these modern methods of communication by their children.

Your child may be suffering as a result of being bullied but it may not be bullying either. It could be that your child is medically unwell. As a parent you are in the best position to find out what the problem really is.

It is necessary to carry out a careful and thorough investigation to confirm or otherwise whether or not your child is being bullied. It is only when you have done this investigation that you will know the answer. Once you know, you can take whatever action is needed. To protect your child it is very important that you do not leave anything to chance, so check carefully and regularly.

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About the author: Florrie Poff can help you to defeat child bullying. For Defeat Bullying Strategies sign up to her New Defeat Bullying Newsletter and download Two Free eBook Chapters
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