The Warning Signs: Child Bullying

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.

Any behavior that intimidates or causes your child distress, hurt or pain whether emotionally, physically or a combination of these is regarded as bullying. There is no particular reason why a child may be susceptible to being bullied. For example, a child may be bullied because they wear contact lenses, or because of their appearance, religion, race, signs of poverty, family break-up, being shy or quiet. A child that stands out to be different from other children is usually picked on by the bully because the bully feels they can easily be bullied.

The confidence of a child can be destroyed by bullying leaving them feeling worthless, frightened, withdrawn and quite alone. The consequence of bullying could impact on the life of a child if not stopped quickly 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:

Money for food and drink taken.

Fewer friends than before, or has no friends these days.

Shows high levels of anxiety.

A change in the behavior of your child might be they have become moody, depressed, tearful, or possibly quiet and withdrawn.

Having low self-esteem when previously this appeared good.

Visible signs of being anxious.

Takes a different walking route to school than previously.

Fewer friends than before, or no friends at all.

Interest in school activities has reduced.

Takes a different route to school than previously.

No desire to take the bus to school.

Being anxious.

Walks to school using a differant route than used previously.

Has fewer friends than previously, or no real friends at all.

Interest in taking part in school activities has reduced.

Nowadays, because of modern technology many children have a cell/mobile phone and Internet access. Phone numbers and email addresses are often shared with friends. However, friendships can easily end and personal information can later be used against a child to cause pain 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?

The bully may also be sending your child threatening emails, or several children may be carrying out a very unpleasant campaign against your child through emails or unmonitored Internet chat rooms. Therefore, it is very important that parents monitor the use of these modern methods of communication and check how these are affecting your child.

It is possible that if your child is suffering in any way, that the cause is not bullying but something else. Your child might be genuinely unwell. But as you will know your child better than anyone else, you are in the best position to determine what the problem really is and seek medical help when 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://mylilpeanut.com

About the author: Florrie Poff can help you to defeat child bullying. For Defeat Bullying Strategies sign up to her New Defeat Bullying Newsletter and download Two Free eBook Chapters
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