Is Your Kid a Victim of Bullying?

About 14% of all school-age children are victims of bullying. Some children are more vulnerable than others including students with physical or learning differences and students who are perceived to be or have self-identified as gay, lesbian or transgendered. Many victims of bullying have no noticeable differences, but all victims seem to share some common characteristics of which parents should be aware so that bullying victimization doesn’t go unrecognized and untreated. Here is a short list of characteristics that many victims of bullying have in common:

• Doesn’t want to go to school and gets very upset if compelled to do so
• Suddenly begins to do poorly in school
• Doesn’t have any friends
• Has poor social skills
• Cries easily
• Gives in easily
• Has sleeping or eating problems
• Starts acting out at home or in school
• Has bruises, torn clothing or is missing possessions
• Threatens to hurt self or others

The Search Institute has developed a more comprehensive checklist that you can find on this blog. If you suspect that you child has been teased or bullied, the checklist may help you pinpoint specific signs. If you are making lots of check marks, talk with your child’s teacher or other school official about what they have heard or observed. If they also think your child has been bullied, ask what can be done to end the victimization. It’s also time for a caring, empathetic talk with your child.

Bullying Makes Life Miserable for Kids
Warning-Signs-Being-Bullied

Last updated August 4, 2020