Listen to the article:
Being bullied is something no one should have to endure; yet sadly it happens. It can cause a child to dread and try to avoid school and still feel anxious and sad at home. Bullying affects children differently and if your child is refusing to talk about what’s going on, it could be hard to know. Here are indications commonly associated with bullying.
Reluctant to go to school
Recurring excuses for going to the school nurse to leave early because of aches or pains, or trying to avoid school by complaining of feeling sick, could be a signal that your child is avoiding a bully.
Changes in friendships
If your child has stopped hanging out with friends or has stopped being friends with certain kids, it is often an indication of bullying.
Difficulty sleeping
Be observant of any changes in your child’s sleeping habits or if you notice tired eyes and lack of energy in the mornings. Anxiety can keep a child up at night if he is concerned about what may happen in school the following day.
Refusing to interact with family
Children who are victims of bullying often withdraw from family activities. If you notice your child being less talkative or spending more time alone in her room, ask her about it. Also, when children are bullied for a prolonged period of time, they will begin acting out and becoming a bully to siblings or other kids.
Physical signs of bullying
Sadly, bullying can entail more than verbal interactions. Be aware of these things:
- Extremely hungry after school. This might be due to inability to eat at school because of emotions, or having lunch taken away by a bully.
- You notice your child has new bruises or scratches.
- Belongings are damaged or missing.
- Cries or has frequent mood changes.
If your child displays any of these symptoms for more than a day or so, talk to them by asking a casual question like, “You seem to be having a lot of stomach aches, can you tell me what might be causing them?” And, if you suspect your child is being bullied, contact the school to make an inquiry.
Thought Starters:
- Observing Changes in School Attendance Patterns: Consider whether your child has been making excuses to avoid going to school, such as frequent visits to the school nurse or complaints of feeling sick. This could be a sign they are trying to avoid a bully.
- Monitoring Shifts in Social Interactions: Reflect on any noticeable changes in your child’s friendships or social habits. If your child has stopped spending time with certain friends or has become more isolated, this might indicate problems with bullying.
- Paying Attention to Physical and Emotional Well-Being: Be vigilant about any physical signs like unexplained bruises or scratches, or emotional signals such as mood swings, which could be indications of bullying. Additionally, consider if there have been changes in your child’s eating habits, like being extremely hungry after school.
Suggested Questions To Ask Your Child:
- I've noticed you've been feeling unwell often before school. Can you tell me more about what's been happening?
This question addresses the sign of a child making recurring excuses to avoid school, such as frequent visits to the school nurse or complaints of feeling sick. It's a gentle way to probe if these health complaints might be linked to a desire to avoid school due to bullying.
- You haven't been spending much time with [friend's name] lately. Is everything okay with your friends?
This question relates to the change in friendships, which is a sign of bullying mentioned in the article. It's a non-confrontational way to ask about changes in social relationships that could indicate problems with peers, including bullying.
- I've noticed you seem really tired in the mornings. Are you having trouble sleeping?
The article points out difficulty sleeping as a sign of bullying, possibly due to anxiety about what may happen at school the next day. This question aims to understand if the child is experiencing sleep disturbances that could be related to stress or anxiety from bullying.
