No parent wants to think that their child is being bullied. Unfortunately, bullying is a reality for many kids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 kids in the U.S. have experienced bullying. And while we might think of bullying as something that happens mostly in person, online bullying is also a major problem; nearly 1 in 4 kids have been cyberbullied.
So how can you tell if your child is being bullied?
Unfortunately, there’s no surefire answer, since every child is different and will react to bullying in their own way. However, there are some common signs that may indicate that your child is being bullied. These include:
- 1. Unexplained injuries or bruises
- 2. Lost or damaged clothing or possessions
- 3. Frequent complaints of stomach aches or headaches
- 4. Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
- 5. Declining grades or loss of interest in school
- 6. Sudden changes in behavior
- 7. Sudden changes in eating habits
- 8. Expressions of sadness, anxiety, or low self-esteem
- 9. Self-harm or thoughts of suicide
- 10. Unexplained periods of absences from school
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that not all of these signs necessarily mean that your child is being bullied. However, if you notice multiple signs or a sudden change in your child’s behavior, it’s worth investigating further to see if bullying might be a factor.
If you suspect that your child is being bullied, the best thing to do is talk to them about it directly. Let them know that you’re there for them and that they can come to you with anything that’s going on in their life—no matter what it is. And if they’re reluctant to talk to you, reach out to their teachers, school counselors, or other adults who have regular contact with your child.