6 Signs Your Child Is Being Bullied
The National Youth Violence Prevention Network recently reported that 5.7 million students are involved in bullying— as the victim, perpetrator, or both. More often than not, kids hide being bullied out of shame, so it is important to watch for behavioral changes. Here are six key signs, outlined by the Department of Health and Human Services, your child may be the victim of harassment and intimidation.
1. Loss of Interest in School
A sharp decline in grades coupled with a sudden disinterest in school can be a tell-tale sign of your child suffering at the hands of a bully. Similarly, if your kid seems distracted and eager to change the subject when you bring up his or her school day, it could be an indication of something more serious. Try to get your child to open up by doing a fun one-on-one activity with him or her and ask questions in a gentle manner. In other words, don’t give the third degree.
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2. Inconsistent Eating and Sleeping Patterns
Many victims of bullying exhibit loss of appetite or engage in binge eating to cope with the harassment. Anxiety over the torment can cause nightmares or insomnia. Excessive sleeping can also be a clue to underlying problems. Talk to your child, speak with school administrators, and if need be, meet with a physician before the problem manifests into something worse.
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3. Fear or Anxiety of Going to School
If your child avoids riding the bus, is scared of walking to and from school, or takes a long, out-of-the-way route to class, find out what or who is behind it by talking to school officials, cross-walk guards, or the bus driver.
4. Unexplained Cuts and Bruises
Kids are notorious for getting into all sorts of mishaps. But when bruises or cuts are unaccounted for or are routinely brushed off as “accidents,” you should investigate the causes without hesitation.
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5. Damaged or Missing Belongings
Again, children are prone to accidents. But if you notice a pattern of torn, damaged, or missing pieces of clothing, books, or other belongings, you should definitely look into the reason why. Also, if your child is constantly losing his or her lunch (or lunch money), there may be more to it than absent-mindedness. Get to the root of the matter, and consider labeling your child’s belongings to help prove the property is, in fact, your child’s.
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6. Frequent Health Complaints and Requests to Stay Home
If your child frequently complains about headaches and stomachaches and asks to stay home, you should look into whether they’re phantom claims or legitimate illnesses. It’s not uncommon for anxiety and psychological anguish over the harassment and intimidation to lead to very real physical ailments. Speak to your child’s teacher, guidance counselor, or the family physician if the complaints persist.
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
