Bullying is a global problem that affects children of all ages. It can be hard to detect, but there are usually tell-tale signs that something is wrong. As a parent, it’s important to be vigilant and to talk to your child regularly about what’s going on at school – they might even benefit from speaking to a child therapist in Perth, depending on the severity of the situation.
Here are five signs that your child might be the victim of bullying:
- They Come Home with Damaged or Missing Property
If your child comes home from school with damaged or missing property, it’s possible that they’ve been the victim of bullying. Oftentimes, bullies will take or damage a child’s belongings in order to intimidate them. If you notice that your child’s property is frequently damaged or goes missing, it’s worth asking them about it (without cornering them).
- They Have Unexplained Injuries
Another sign that your child might be being bullied is if they come home with unexplained injuries. While accidents do happen, repeated injuries could be a sign that your child is being targeted by a bully. If you notice bruises or other injuries on your child that they can’t adequately explain, it’s worth investigating further.
- They’re Missing Money or Valuables
Bullies may also target a child’s possessions in order to extort money from them. If you notice that your child is missing money or valuables, it’s possible that they’re being bullied and are too afraid to tell you about it. Be sure to ask them directly if this is the case so you can help resolve the situation.
- They Suddenly Have Trouble Sleeping or Eating
Changes in sleeping and eating habits can also be signs that something is wrong at school. If your child suddenly has trouble sleeping or eating, it could be because they’re worried about being bullied during the day. Be sure to ask them directly how they’re feeling and if anything is bothering them so you can help address the issue.
- They Avoid Going to School or Participating in Activities They Used to Enjoy
Finally, one of the clearest signs that something is wrong is if your child starts avoiding school or activities they used to enjoy. If they suddenly don’t want to go to school or participate in extracurricular activities, it’s possible that they’re being bullied and don’t feel safe anymore. Talk to them about what’s going on and see if there’s anything you can do to help resolve the situation.
Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs
If your child is showing any of these signs, it’s possible they’re being bullied at school. As a parent, it’s important to stay vigilant and talk to your child regularly about what’s going on in their life – both at home and at school. By keeping an open dialogue, you can help ensure that your child feels safe and secure both inside and outside the classroom.
