Identifying the Effects of Bullying
As a parent, you may suspect your child is being bullied. If you are not quite sure, review these common signs to help you recognize if bullying is occurring. Your child may:
• come home with torn, damaged, or missing pieces of clothing, books, or other belongings
• have unexplained cuts, bruises, and scratches from fighting
• have few, if any, friends with whom he or she spends time
• seem afraid of going to school, riding the school bus, or taking part in organized activities with peers (such as clubs or sports)
• lose interest in school work or suddenly begin to do poorly in school
• appear sad, moody, teary, or depressed when he or she comes home
• complain frequently of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical problems
• have trouble sleeping or frequent bad dreams
• experience a loss of appetite
• appear anxious and suffer from low self-esteem