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Learn how to spot the signs that your child is being victimized. If you have suspected your child has being bullied, it's important to find out as soon as possible so you can get help. Bullying is a serious problem that's unfortunately is very common in schools, communities and even in the corporate environment.
My story: I felt nervous and excited at the same time when I joined high school. But, after two weeks, I have faced one of the hardest moments of my life. I was bullied, and definitively, I have to say that it was not easy, but I had to learn how to deal with those terrible moments of harassment and insults, and also I have to mention that there are still a lot of permanent scars that may never go away. Mainly because these terrible incidents, came from people who split their time pretending to be my friends and then destroying my self-esteem - all right: "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger", and I am here now. So, as a parent, my concern nowadays, is how to deal with this situation, but firstly how to recognize bullying? For this reason, I have decided to write this post.
Signs a Child Is Being Bullied
I know that parents can feel helpless they think about this social issue, It can be hard to know for sure if your child is being bullied. According to the American organization stopbullying.gov here are some signs that may point to a bullying problem, please see below, be aware that not all children who have been bullied exhibit warning signs.
1. Unexplainable injuries
2. Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
3. Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
4. Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.
5. Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
6. Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
7. Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
8. Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
9. Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide.
How to Recognize the Signs of Cyberbullying?
Also since your child may not tell you about it, it’s important for you to be aware of possible signs that he’s being bullied online. He could be a victim of cyberbullying if:
10. He suddenly stops using the computer, even though he’s always enjoyed it before.
11. He doesn’t want to use the computer in a place where you can see it.
12. He turns off the computer monitor or changes screens every time you walk by.
13. He seems nervous or jumpy when he gets an instant message, text or email.
14. He alludes to bullying indirectly by saying something like “there’s a lot of drama at school” or “I have no friends.”
15. He doesn’t want to go to school or appears uneasy about going.
16. He becomes withdrawn.
Another important point: the American organization stopbullying.gov says that the effects of bullying aren’t always temporary, people who are bullied can experience negative physical, school, and mental health issues. Anyone who is bullied is more likely to experience: Depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. And these issues may persist into adulthood.
According to the kidshealth.org If the your child is experiencing bullying, it's important to stay calm and let them know it's not their fault, that you are there for them and that will do anything you can. Dr. D'Arcy Lyness (kidshealth.org) wrote the article “Helping Kids Deal With Bullies” and I decided to include it here. My personal recommendation is if you know someone who is facing bullying don’t ignore the problem. Get help right away. Please see an important advice as described on the article:
Restoring Confidence
Dealing with bullying can erode a child's confidence. To help restore it, encourage your kids to spend time with friends who have a positive influence. Participation in clubs, sports, or other enjoyable activities builds strength and friendships. Provide a listening ear about difficult situations, but encourage your kids to also tell you about the good parts of their day, and listen equally attentively. Make sure they know you believe in them and that you'll do what you can to address any bullying that occurs.
My personal opinion, if you see any case of bullying or cyberbullying please always offer to help the victim. And your child is being bullied, talking about bullying, is one of the best ways to help and protect them. You can find some links on my blog in the Cyberbulling section (click here).
I hope you found this post useful and informative. Please don't forget to like, share and subscribe to our mailing list! Click here to see other interesting oposts.
References:
https://www.stopbullying.gov/get-help-now/index.html
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