WARNING SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY BE A VICTIM OF BULLYING

Signs Your Child May Be a Victim of Bullying

I am frequently asked, “What should parents look out for if their child is hiding bullying at school?” Many children conceal being bullied from their parents. Prolonged abuse can lead children to believe they somehow caused the mistreatment. Some may even defend the bully. Although I have given two-hour lectures on this topic, I have compiled a list of main signs for parents to watch for. It’s crucial to foster a family culture of open communication. In this blog entry, I’ll include tips on active listening, accurate communication, and safety options.

Social and School-Related Signs:

• Unexplained bruises

• Loss of appetite

• Overeating

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Hypersomnia: Difficulty waking up and feeling rested

• Frequent upset stomach and GI issues

• Unexplained hives and frequent physical ailments (e.g., colds, stomach flu)

• Bedwetting (even in older kids)

  
  

Emotional and Psychological Signs

• Crying spells (e.g., “I see my daughter crying alone but she won’t say why”)

• Over-exaggerated startle response (e.g., child is easily frightened)

• Negative self-talk (e.g., “Maybe I am a loser. Everyone tells me I am”)

• Sudden preoccupation with violence (e.g., violent video games, news, movies)

• Withdrawal from family and friends

• Anxiety and phobias: NOTE: Some phobias may be used to avoid bullying (e.g., claiming fear of dogs to avoid walking past a bully’s house)

• Statements suggesting isolation (e.g., “I have no friends. Nobody likes me”)

• Rapid, often unprovoked, mood shifts

• Self-injury

• Lack of authenticity (e.g., “We felt as though Karen was always acting”)

  
  

Serious Warning Signals

• Hopelessness and helplessness (e.g., “What’s the use? The world is ending”)

• Sudden interest in the afterlife or supernatural

• Euphoria, often followed by depression

• Giving away or promising personal belongings

• Expressing a desire to die (e.g., “I want to die. Everyone would be better off without me”)

• Hesitation in self-expression (e.g., “I want to tell you something but don’t know how”)

  
  

Note: It is never wrong to discuss these signs with your child. Depression, anxiety, fear, and even suicidal thoughts will not disappear without discussion and may worsen if ignored.

Eugene Roginsky, LCSW, CEO of Bridge2Horizon Psychotherapy and Counseling Services in Lake County, Illinois, frequently collaborates with parents to navigate difficult conversations with their children on sensitive topics such as violence, anxiety, bullying, grief, and family dynamics. His approach is rooted in providing compassionate guidance to help families foster open communication and emotional resilience. To discuss your family's needs, please schedule a complimentary consultation.