Signs/Indicators that a Child/Teen is Being Bullied:
*Be aware of changes in your kid's behavior. While it is true that not all children and teenagers who are being bullied will show signs of it, there are several warning signs that parents can watch for that could be indicative that a child is being bullied by someone else. Some of the signs to watch for are:
- Injuries that the child/teen can't explain or explains poorly.
- Feelings of helplessness.
- Falling grades and a loss of interest in school.
- Frequently feeling sick or faking illness to avoid school or other social situations.
- Loss of interest in group functions and social activities.
- Decreased or declining self-esteem.
- Frequently losing clothing, electronics, school books and other personal items - or coming home with them destroyed.
- Sudden avoidance or loss of friends.
- Changes in eating habits. Kids that are bullied will often skip meals due to depression. They can also come home hungry and binge eat after school because they did not have lunch (due to a bully taking their money or food.
- Sleeping less, not sleeping well, or having nightmares.
- Talking about suicide, harming themselves or other self-destructive behavior.
- Running away.