Signs Your Child Being Bullied

In this series of school violence I wanted to chat about the warning signs that your child is being bullied. This generation has a lot more ways to become a victim to bullying than the previous generations before.There is bullying on social media, texting, emailing, chat rooms, and in person. There is physical violence, sexual violence,threatening violence, inappropriate sexual comments, sexual harassment, teasing, taunting, spreading rumors, name calling, social media,and destruction of property and bullying of special needs kids.

How do you know if your child is being bullied? It is really not enough to just ask your child because he/she may not feel comfortable discussing it or even admitting it. He/She may not even see some actions as bullying. For starters you can sit your child down and define bullying. Bullying is defined by Stopbullying.gov as Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems. In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:

An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power—such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity—to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people.

Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to happen more than once

Then talk about the different types of bullying that are mentioned above. This is a great opportunity to open up the floor and ask you child if he/she has ever experienced any of the above issues and be sure to watch their expressions as they answer. Your child may say no verbally but their body language may tell a different story.

Also know the physical symptoms a child goes through when being bullied.They include

Signs of a fight such as a black eye or bruises

Not wanting to go to school

headaches

stomach aches

property destroyed or missing

sleeping issues

nightmares

changes in eating habits

sudden loss of friends

social isolation

isolation from family

decreased self esteem

unexplained changes in your child's behavior or personality

self harming behavior

suicide talk or attempts

If your child is displaying any of the above signs get help from a professional. See your school's counselor or seek a therapist.

Also be sure to address the issue with the school principal. All schools should have a zero tolerance policy for bullying. If your school does not or if you cannot get assistance from your school to stop the bullying then take it to your local school board or the police. Life In Motion cares about you and your family. Stay safe!

Have a blessed and balanced day!

~ Melissa

Melissa Smith is an LMFT in the state of Kentucky. To find out more about her click here.

Live. Life. Balanced.Today is a blog written by licensed marriage and family therapist.

For more information about counseling go to www.LifeInMotionKentucky.com