Bullying continues to be a major problem across the country.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that one out of every five students reports being bullied, although many people do not admit to it occurring, so bullying might be even more prevalent than statistics indicate.
The primary reasons for being bullied include physical appearance, race/ethnicity, gender, disability, religion and sexual orientation.
In the past, bullying may have ceased when students left school. But since the internet and digital devices provide round-the-clock exposure and access, bullying now takes places even after school hours through social media posts and texts.
Students who experience bullying may be susceptible to anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, lower academic achievement and dropping out of school, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Discovering the signs of bullying early on may help students get the help they need.
Parents and other adults may not be sure how to identify signs a child is being bullied. Here are seven signs that could indicate a child is being bullied.
1. Reluctance to go to school: Students being bullied may make excuses to stay home, such as saying they are sick. Frequent calls from the school nurse for early pickups also may occur.
2. Mood changes: Children may appear sad, moody, teary or depressed more often than usual.
3. Changes in friendships: Loss or changes in friends could be signs of bullying. A reluctance to hang out in a once familiar social circle could signal bullying is taking place within that group.
4. Bad dreams or trouble sleeping: Bullying could cause worry at night or subconsciously while a child is dreaming, interrupting sleeping patterns.
5. Intense emotional reactions: Intense emotional reactions to school or social activities could be indicators that bullying is occurring. Although children may not always be able to articulate their feelings, excessive emotions concerning certain topics may be red flags.
6. Signs of physical abuse: By and large, a majority of bullying tends to lean toward the verbal and emotional. However, RaisingChildren.net, an Australia-based parenting website, reports bruises, cuts, scratches, torn clothing, or missing property might be indicators of physical bullying.
7. Withdrawal from devices: Students being bullied online or over social media may decide not to use mobile phones or gaming systems as frequently as they once did. Maintaining an open dialogue with a child may help him or her feel more comfortable, which can lead to the child sharing details of bullying at school or elsewhere.
What parents can do to prevent bullying
Bullying affects children from all walks of life. Whether the student is on the receiving end of bullying or is the aggressor, parents and other adults will sometimes need to step in to provide assistance.
Although there is no magic formula to prevent bullying, parents can do their part to put a stop to such behaviors.
• Parent authoritatively: According to developmental psychologist Diana Divecha, a contributor to Greater Good magazine, an authoritative style of parenting offers high levels of warmth, love and closeness, while at the same time providing clear limits and high expectations. Children who are raised with this type of parenting often fare the best with better mental health and stronger relationship skills. Children who are parented harshly may be more likely to become bullies or be bullied themselves.
• Be knowledgeable and observant: Parents, teachers and administrators should keep their eyes peeled for bullying behaviors and reactions. Various signs indicate bullying is taking place, and these include being introverted, commonly reporting illness, withdrawing from daily activities or having trouble sleeping.
• Nurture a positive household climate: Parents and other family members can work together at home to create an organized and predictable environment. Parents should model the type of behavior they want their children to express.
• Teach children coping skills: Practice scenarios at home where a child learns how to ignore a bully or develop assertive strategies for coping with bullying. Share who children can go to for help, apart from you, such as teachers or administrators, if they’re worried about being bullied.
• Set technology boundaries: Bullying can take place on social media, and by monitoring online activity, parents may be able to head off potential bullying problems. Document online bullying so it can be addressed with administrators or law enforcement.
