Is Your Child Being Bullied?

Bullying is a very serious issue and if a child experiences it, it can lead to a long list of problems including depression, anxiety and stress. Bullying can cause emotional, physical and mental damage and it has to be promptly resolved so no further damage will take place.

If you have suspicions that your child is being bullied, but you are not sure what signs to look out for, here are some definite signs that your little one is most likely getting bullied at school or within the local neighborhood.

Academic Performance Drops

If you have noticed a drastic drop in your child's school performance, he or she may be getting bullied. Being bullied and pushed around is taking over their thoughts most of the day so they have no room for concentration and studying.

Avoidance Of School

If your child is constantly trying to avoid school by going as far as faking that they are sick, they may be trying to avoid a bully. If you notice that they have been going a different route to school, trying to fake a cold or if they have been absent from classes, bullying might be happening at school.

Withdrawn and Isolated

Children who have been bullied or are being bullied everyday may have developed a large amount of fear when it comes to going outside to play, going to school and being out in public. They may withdraw completely and want to stay indoors, play video games and hide away in their room. If your child was always happy to go out and play and hang out with their friends, but is now trying to stay at home as much as possible, you might have a bullying situation on your hands. Isolation is extremely damaging to a child's development and growth, therefore, action needs to take place.

School Is Talked About In A Negative Way

All kids talk about school negatively at some time or other. If your child is talking about school more negatively than usual, he or she may be getting bullied. If your child has lost interest in everything to do with school and cannot focus, they might be getting bullied. When kids lose interest in their everyday activities, there is some sort of problem that needs to be addressed and resolved.

Acting Out At Home

Children who get bullied tend to become the bully at home and with siblings. They want to gain some sort of control over their everyday experiences and since they have no control at school or in the neighborhood, they will take control at home. If you notice your child is beating up on his sister or brother, it might be time to do some investigating.

When a child is bullied, all kinds of damage can be the result. Give your child the best chance in life, help them learn how to set boundaries and teach them how to reach out for help when being bullied. No one deserves to be verbally, emotionally or physically abused and as parents, we must protect our children from bullies at all times.