Signs to Watch For Sudden dislike or disinterest in something that use to be enjoyed. Most bullying occurs outside of the home, at school. If your child has always enjoyed going to school, and suddenly develops anxiety or fear of going,this may be cause for concern. Becoming overly aggressive or bullying others. In a lot of cases victims of bullying become bullies themselves. Being bullied can make your child feel powerless, and by becoming a bully himself, he may feel like he is regaining some of his power and control back. Becoming distant and quiet. On the flip side, your child may become withdrawn from the world around him as he trying to figure out what is being done to him. He may even act depressed or anxious. Unexplainable injuries. Bullying can be both mental and physical. If you notice your child coming home with bruises, scrapes, or marks, always question her about the cause. If there seems to be a sudden increase in injures, you need to intervene immediately.
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What You Can Do
Contact an administrator immediately. If you believe your child is being bullied, your first call need to be his school’s principal or another administrator. Most schools should have an anti-bullying policy/code of conduct in place, and any allegations you make should be taken seriously and result in an investigation. Keep notes. Writing down days of events and signs you have noticed about your child, will help you be organized and provide an easy reference guide for referral later. Stay calm. It is easy to become frustrated and angry if you believe your child is being bullied, but you will be more productive if you remain calm and level-headed, especially when relaying your concerns to her teacher or principal. Prepare your child BEFORE any bullying takes place. No one wants to believe that their child could be a victim of bullying, but making your child aware of what bullying is and helping him understand what to do if he is being bullied is a very proactive step. Keep the lines of communication open with your child so that he will feel comfortable talking to you. Sources: FriendshipCircle.org | Bullying.About.com | iVillage.com Bullying: What You Need to Know
Shandy Marso, Contributor
