Signs Your Child Is Being Bullied at School
If you’re like most parents, you want to do everything possible to ensure that your children are happy and safe at school. Unfortunately, bullying can be a problem in any setting, and it’s important to be aware of the signs that your child is being bullied so that you can take action.
High School of America, a premier online school, knows the impact of bullying on the academic, physical, and social well-being of students.
In this post, we’ll discuss some of the things to look for, what you can do if you suspect that your child is being bullied, as well as how High School of America can help.
Keep reading for more information!
What is Bullying?
Before we get into the signs that your child is being bullied, it’s important to take a step back and define what bullying actually is.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines bullying as “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.”
In other words, bullying is a form of harassment that happens between students on a regular basis. It’s important to note that bullying can take many different forms, including but not limited to:
Physical bullying: This includes hitting, kicking, spitting, and any type of physical violence.
Verbal bullying: This can be things like name-calling, making threats, and saying hurtful things.
Social bullying: This includes leaving someone out on purpose, spreading rumors about them, or embarrassing them in public.
Cyberbullying: This is any type of bullying that happens online or through technology, including text messages, social media posts, and email.
Top 10 Warning Signs That Your Child Is Being Bullied
There are a few key warning signs that may indicate that your child is being bullied. Of course, every child is different, so it’s important to trust your intuition as a parent. However, here are some common signs to look for:
1. They Come Home from School Crying or Distressed
If your child typically comes home from school happy and smiling but suddenly starts coming home in tears or looking visibly distressed, it’s possible that they’re being bullied at school. This is especially true if they seem reluctant to go to school or don’t want to talk about what’s going on there.
2. Their Grades Have Slipped
If your child was previously an A student, but their grades have started to slip, it’s possible that bullying is to blame. Studies show that children who are bullied are more likely to experience difficulties in school, including poor grades and truancy.
3. They’re Withdrawn or Isolating Themselves
If your child has always been a social butterfly but suddenly starts withdrawing from friends or isolating themselves, it could be a sign that they’re being bullied and don’t want to face their peers.
4. They’re Having Nightmares or Bedwetting
Children who are being bullied may start having nightmares or bedwetting as a way of coping with the stress of the situation. If this is happening, it’s definitely cause for concern.
5. They’re Experiencing Acute Physical Symptoms
When children are being bullied, they often experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and dizziness. If your child is frequently complaining of these types of symptoms, it’s worth investigating whether bullying is the root cause.
6. They’re Defending Themselves More Than Usual
If your child typically isn’t a fighter but has suddenly started defending themselves more than usual, it’s possible that they’re being bullied and feel like they have to fight back in order to survive.
7. They’re Making suicidal Statements
Kids who are being bullied may start making suicidal statements as a way of expressing their distress. If you hear your child talking about wanting to die or hurt themselves, take it very seriously and seek professional help immediately.
8. They’re Bringing Home Missing or Damaged Belongings
If your child’s belongings are frequently going missing or coming home damaged, it’s possible that they’re being targeted by a bully. This is especially true if your child seems reluctant to use certain items or wear certain clothes to school.
9. They Suddenly Have No Friends
If your child suddenly has no friends, it could be because they’ve been bullied and alienated by their peers. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed right away.
10. Sudden Changes in Behavior
Sudden changes in behavior are often a sign that something is wrong. If your child starts acting differently than usual, pay attention to see if there are any other signs that might indicate bullying.
For example, if your child used to be outgoing but now seems withdrawn and doesn’t want to go to school, that could be a sign that they’re being bullied.
11. Unexplained Injuries or Bruises
If your child comes home with unexplained bruises or injuries, it’s definitely worth investigating. This could be a sign that they’re being physically bullied.
12. Changes in Eating Habits
If your child suddenly has changes in their eating habits, that could also be a sign of bullying. For example, if they’re skipping meals or losing weight, it’s possible that they’re being bullied and don’t feel comfortable eating in front of their peers.
13. Loss of Interest in Hobbies or Activities
If your child used to enjoy school and participating in extracurricular activities but now seems disinterested, it’s possible that they’re being bullied and don’t feel like they belong.
The Negative Impacts of Bullying on High School Students?
Difficulty concentrating in school
A study showed that when bullied students were asked to complete a concentration task, they had more trouble than their non-bullied peers. This is likely because bullied students are constantly worrying about the next attack, which takes up valuable mental energy.
Poor academic performance
A study from the National Association of School Psychologists found that bullying victims are more likely to have lower grades and miss school more often than their peers. Also, teens who are bullied often have trouble focusing in school and maintaining good grades. This is because they are constantly worried about the bully instead of studying.
Depression and anxiety
Children who are bullied often suffer from depression and anxiety. This can lead to problems sleeping, loss of appetite, and even suicidal thoughts.
Low self-esteem
Being bullied can damage a child’s self-esteem and make them feel worthless. This can lead to further problems in adulthood, such as difficulty forming relationships and holding down a job.
Problems at home
If the bully is coming after your child at home as well as at school, that’s a sign that the situation is becoming increasingly serious and needs to be addressed immediately.
Rejection by peers
Being bullied can lead to social isolation and a feeling of being left out. This can be especially harmful during the high school years when social acceptance is so important.
Risk of violence
Some bullies resort to violence in order to intimidate their victims. This can lead to physical injuries and even death.
Self-harm
Many bullied children turn to self-harm as a way of dealing with the pain. This can include cutting, hair pulling, and even suicide attempts.
Trouble sleeping
Children who are being bullied often have trouble sleeping because they’re afraid of being attacked at night. This can lead to problems in school, as well as physical and mental health problems.
Bullying can cause emotional harm
Victims of bullying often experience a wide range of negative emotions, including sadness, loneliness, anger, and frustration. These feelings can persist long after the bullying has stopped.
What You Can Do If You Suspect Your Child Is Being Bullied
If you suspect that your child is being bullied, it’s important to take action right away. Here are a few things you can do:
- First, talk to your child about what’s going on and see if they’re willing to talk about their experiences. It’s important to let them know that you’re there for them and that they can come to you with anything.
- You should also reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselor to let them know what’s going on. They may be able to provide additional support or help resolve the situation.
- Seek professional help if your child is exhibiting any of the warning signs listed above. Bullying can be extremely traumatizing for children and requires treatment.
- Finally, consider enrolling your child in the best online school like High School of America. This can be a great way to give your child a fresh start and help them feel more comfortable and confident in their academic abilities.
What Do You Do If Your Child Gets Beat Up at School?
If your child comes home from school with bruises or other injuries, it’s important to take action immediately.
The first thing you should do is report the incident to the school administration and ask for their help in resolving the situation.
You may also want to contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
How Can High School of America Help?
At High School of America, we understand the impact of bullying and are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive environment where online high school students can get their education without fear of being harassed or intimidated.
Our program includes anti-bullying curricula that helps kids learn how to deal with bullies safely and effectively.
Contact us today to learn more about our online diploma program!
Conclusion
Bullying can have serious and long-lasting impacts on students, both in the short-term and long-term. If you’re concerned that your child is being bullied in their current school, or if you would simply like more information about how to help protect your student from bullying, please contact High School of America today.
Our experienced counselors are here to help guide you through this difficult time and provide you with the resources you need to ensure your child has a safe and successful educational experience.