Recognizing the Signs of Bullying and Supporting Your Child
Bullying is a pervasive issue that can significantly impact children’s and teens’ mental and emotional health. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, nearly a quarter of students ages 12 to 18 reported being bullied at school in 2019. However, bullying extends beyond the school environment and can occur through various online and offline methods as well, which is why the team from Toley Ranz has collected some important facts about how to identify signs of bullying here.
Understanding and Detecting Bullying
Children often conceal their bullying experiences due to the associated stigma, making it difficult for parents to identify the signs. However, the effects of bullying can be profound and long-lasting, affecting a child’s self-esteem, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Signs of Bullying in Young Children
In elementary school-age children, bullying typically manifests as name-calling, exclusion, and physical aggression, such as pushing, shoving, or tripping. Younger children primarily communicate through their behavior, making changes in their actions a key indicator of bullying.
Parents should be vigilant for signs such as:
- Regression to previous developmental milestones
- Unexplained injuries
- Avoidance of school or regular requests to stay home
- Frequently losing clothes, toys, or other personal items
Signs of Bullying in Middle Schoolers
Middle school students are often exposed to bullying through rumors, gossip, and social media harassment. The social and physical changes that occur during middle school can make children targets for bullying due to various factors such as body changes, physical appearance, friend groups, and participation in sports.
Parents should look for signs such as:
- Declining school performance
- Social isolation or withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleep patterns
Signs of Bullying in High Schoolers
Bullying in high school can be more challenging to detect, as teenagers are often less inclined to confide in parents or caregivers. Despite their ability to communicate verbally, teens may express their distress through changes in behavior.
Parents should be alert to signs such as:
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Involvement in physical altercations
- Self-harm or expressing thoughts about self-harm
Helping a Bullied Child
Learning that your child is being bullied, regardless of their age, can trigger a range of emotions for parents. It’s essential to approach the situation calmly, take your child’s concerns seriously, and be sure to:
- Foster Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their experiences. Ask open-ended questions to understand what happened and when.
- Provide Unconditional Support: Reassure your child that you love and support them no matter what. Validate their feelings and experiences.
- Report the Bullying: If necessary, notify your child’s school or the police to ensure the bullying is addressed appropriately.
Contact us today for more on how to identify signs of bullying!
Learn more about how to identify signs of bullying and address it by contacting us online today or calling (928) 254-1879.
