Arguing with friends, breaking up and making up are all a part of the typical high school experience. However, bullying is not an ordinary situation, and it’s not something that should be shrugged off as a “rite of passage.”
Bullying is a very real and serious problem that can have lasting effects on the victim. As a parent, you might think that your child would be open with you if he or she were to be bullied, but sometimes they don’t want to burden you with their problems. It’s important to talk to your child about bullying and let them know that it’s not their fault and that you’re there for them no matter what. If you suspect that your child is being bullied, there are some signs to look out for, such as withdrawing from friends or activities, mood swings, or changes in eating habits. If you see any of these signs, talk to your child and see if they want to talk about what’s going on. Bullying is a difficult thing to deal with, but together we can help our children get through it.
Unfortunately, bullying has become an ongoing problem in today’s society and more often than not, children are too embarrassed or ashamed to tell anyone – even their own parents. If you suspect your child is being bullied, there are some key signs or symptoms to look out for such as:
– Your child seems to be anxious or depressed
– They’re losing weight or not eating as usual
– They have bruises or injuries that they can’t or won’t explain
– They’re no longer interested in activities they once enjoyed
– They’re skipping school or avoiding social situations
If you notice any of these changes in your child’s behavior, it’s important to reach out and talk to them about what’s going on, so you can help them get the support they need to heal and move on from this difficult experience.
You may notice cuts or scrapes, bruises, or a black eye on your partner that he can’t or won’t explain where they come from. He may also ask you to replace items such as jackets or book bags. These could be signs that he is being physically abused.
Other signs that your teen may be engaging in self-harm include:
– Repeatedly claiming to have lost cell phones, iPods, or other electronics
– Sudden isolation from friends or social groups
– Complaining of insomnia or not wanting to eat
– Wearing long sleeves or pants even in hot weather
– Frequent complaints of body aches and pains
– Withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy
– Talking about feeling numb or feeling like they’re not really alive
You may notice that your child’s grades have declined significantly, or they seem to be suffering from more headaches and stomachaches than usual. Unfortunately, this could be a sign that your child is being bullied at school. Oftentimes, when kids are being bullied, they’ll stop caring about their schoolwork or grades because they dread going to school and facing their bully or bullies. If you suspect your child is being bullied, be sure to talk to them about it and see if there’s anything you can do to help resolve the situation.
Being bullied can have severe effects on a child’s mental state – they may feel worthless, experience depression or anxiety, and engage in self-harm. It’s important to remember that children are dealing with the emotional pain of being bullied, and often don’t know how to cope in a healthy way. They may resort to things like cutting as a way to deal with the pain.
If your child expresses a sudden disinterest in activities that previously made them happy, or they start wearing long-sleeved shirts all the time or bracelets or watches to hide their wrists, these can be clues that something is wrong. Sometimes kids tell us in very subtle ways what’s going on with them. He or she may say things like, “No one likes me,” which could be a sign that they’re being bullied at school.
Talk to your child directly, letting him or her know that you are always there for support. Gently inquire if there is any bullying going on at school, but don’t be surprised if your child denies it at first. Kids typically don’t like to admit that they are being bullied because it can be embarrassing for them. However, it is important to have this conversation so that you can be aware of what is going on in your child’s life and offer support.
The child may be afraid to tell you about the bullying for fear that it will only make the situation worse, especially if you contact the school. They may also be anxious about what others will think of them if they speak up, and worry that their concerns will be dismissed as unimportant by those in positions of authority.
If you think your child is being bullied, but they’re not telling you, it might be because the bullying is happening online. Social media bullying can be just as harmful as any other type of bullying, so don’t brush it off if you suspect it’s happening to your child. Your child has a right to feel safe and be free from bullies, so take action to help them stop the bullying.
