Child Bullying: The Warning Signs

Bullying is probably one of the most serious problems your child could ever experience. You may find this article helpful to identify some of the signs that may indicate your child is being bullied.

Bullying includes any behavior that threatens your child or causes distress, hurt or pain whether it is emotionally, physically or a combination of these. There are many reasons why a child may be the subject of bullying. A child may be bullied because they wear spectacles, or because of how they look, religion, race, signs of poverty, family break-up, being shy or even quiet. A child may be picked on when they stand out to be different from other children and so the bully feels this child can be easily targeted.

It is a fact that bullying can destroy the confidence of a child thus leaving them feeling worthless, frightened, withdrawn and alone. The consequences of bullying if not stopped quickly could impact on a child for many years.

The conclusion of numerous surveys of groups of children recently is that more than 50% said they had been bullied at school. It would appear that despite the fact that most schools have in place an anti-bullying policy, bullying continues to be a major issue for children of all ages.

As parents, one of the most important things that needs to be learnt is being able to recognize the signs that might indicate that your child is being bullied in school, or indeed any club or society that your child may attend. Whilst these signs do not automatically point to bullying, they nevertheless can be a useful indicator. These are the signs to look out for:

A change in the behavior of your child such as being moody, depressed, tearful, or quiet and withdrawn when he/she comes home from school.

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 A change in your child's behavior such as being moody, depressed, tearful or quiet and withdrawn when he/she comes home.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.

Does not sleep well and/or has bad dreams.

Money for lunch has been taken.

Not wanting to take the bus to school.

Poor sleeping pattern and having bad dreams.

Takes a different route to school than previously.

The development of low self-esteem when previously this was not a problem.

Being anxious.

Arrives home from school with torn clothes.

Unexplained cuts and bruises.

Interest in taking part in school activities has reduced.

In our modern world of technology many children have a cell/mobile phone and Internet access. It is a fact that children often share their email addresses and phone numbers with their friends, but the sad fact is that friendships can easily come to an end and their personal information can, in some cases, be used against them to cause maximum hurt and embarrassment.

Therefore, has your child got a cell/mobile phone? If so, it could be your child is receiving insulting, threatening or vulgar text messages. Unpleasant messages may also be left by the bully on the answer phone. Do you really 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.

If your child is suffering, it is possible that the cause is not bullying but some other problem. It may be prudent to check out the reason as your child might be genuinely unwell. You are in the best position to determine what the problem is as you know your child better than anyone else. Seek medical help if necessary.

You will be able to confirm or otherwise whether or not your child is being bullied only when you carry out a careful and thorough investigation. When you have identified any problem you will then be able to take whatever action is needed to remedy the situation for your child. It is vital for your child that you do not leave anything to chance so be vigilant and take action when necessary.

Article Source: http://publisherscloninghouse.com

Author: Florrie Poff can help you to defeat child bullying fast. For Defeat Bullying Strategies subscribe to her Defeat Bullying Newsletter and get Two Free eBook Chapters
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