One of the most serious problems your child could ever experience is bullying. In this article you will be able to identify some of the signs that may indicate your child is being bullied.
First of all, bullying includes any behavior that intimidates or causes your child distress, hurt or pain whether emotionally, physically or a combination of these. There is no single reason why a child may be susceptible to bullying. For instance, a child may be bullied because they wear glasses, or because of their physical appearance, religion, race, signs of poverty, family break-up, being shy or simply quiet. The bully usually picks on a child that stands out to be different from other children and so they feel they can easily bully them.
The confidence of a child can be destroyed by bullying leaving them feeling worthless, frightened, withdrawn and quite alone.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.
Numerous surveys of groups of children have been undertaken in the recent past and many conclude that more than half said that they had been bullied at school. Despite most schools having an anti-bullying policy, it would appear that bullying continues to be a major issue for children of all ages.
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:
Money for food and drink taken.
Feeling sick in the morning, or has a headache, or stomach ache, and therefore does not want to go to school.
Shows high levels of anxiety.
. A change in your child's behavior such as being moody, depressed, tearful or quiet and withdrawn when he/she comes home.
Feeling sick when they get up, or has a headache, or stomach ache, and therefore does not want to go to school.
Visible signs of being anxious.
Personal items have been damaged, broken, or are missing.
Not wanting to take the bus to school.
Interest in school activities has reduced.
A loss of appetite.
No desire to take the bus to school.
Personal belongings have been damaged, broken, or been stolen.
Arrives home from school with torn clothes.
Unexplained cuts and bruises.
Personal belongings have been damaged, broken, or are missing.
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.
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.
About the author: Florrie Poff can help you to defeat child bullying. For Defeat Bullying Strategies sign up to her Defeat Bullying Newsletter and download Two Free eBook Chapters Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
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