These are 8 of the most common signs of bullying

Bullying is probably one of the biggest worries (for parents) especially when their kids are school age children, and it can be incredibly hard to help your child if they are being bullied. If you have an inkling that your child is being bullied the first thing you need to establish (easier said than done) is what is going on, but a lot of kids will hide their fears leaving you unsure what to do next. There are a few warning signs to look for in your children that could mean they are being bullied.
  • Your child seems distant, and has only a few friends- Bullies tend to go after someone who is mostly alone.
  • Complaining of illness but you find little wrong with them- Suddenly your child is complaining about being ill but for all you’re checking you don’t see any signs of illness. If it is happening a lot on the school days, it may be they are trying to avoid school as danger lurks there in the shape of their bully. 
  • Sudden change in eating habits- Any major change in your child’s appetite or personality is usually a tell-tale sign that all is not right. 
  • More nightmares/bad dreams than usual or not sleeping well. This usually indicates that something is worrying them or on their mind. 
  • Is becoming moody, anxious and emotional- It is natural for a child who is been bullied to lash out at others especially family who they feel closest to. Your child may become angry, grumpy and cry for no apparent reason by picking fights out of nowhere. There usually is an underlying reason for this and by doing this they are taking out their frustrations on you though they don’t mean to. 
  • Unexplained cuts or bruises- Once again kids generally have bumps and bruises all over them but if these look less like a bang to the knee and more like a purposely done pinch it might be your child is getting physically hurt by another pupil. 
  • Torn or damaged clothing- If it happens once it may be innocent and your child might have had an accident and ripped his clothes in the process but if it is happening frequently you might want to investigate further
  • Is refusing to communicate with you- You are noticing all the signs but they are denying anything is going on causing you to become increasingly worried. 
Written by Emma, staff writer with www.familyfriendlyhq.ie and Irish mummy blogger. Check out her own blog at emmasmadjotters.com

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