10 Bullying Warning Signs Every Parent Should Be Aware Of

August 4, 2022 byAllison Brubaker

As parents, we often have to interpret our children’s unusual actions, particularly when kids are unable—or unwilling—to tell us what’s wrong. Bullying is one issue that students might have trouble talking about. However, it’s important to know how to recognize warning signs of bullying, and to know what to do if you or your student notices any signs of bullying in school.

National surveys indicate that as many as half of all children are bullied during their school years. Whether the bullying is physical or verbal, in person or online, it’s a growing problem with an unhealthy emotional impact for both the bully and the victim.

Twenty-three percent of parents with students at Connections Academy® schools nationwide say they turned to virtual school because of bullying, according to the annual parent satisfaction survey. Another 36% of parents switched their child to online school because they were seeking a safe learning environment.

How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Bullying

How can you tell if someone is being bullied? The following is a list of the 10 most common warning signs of bullying to keep an eye out for:

1. Mood Changes

If your child seems moody, sad, or depressed—particularly if there is no apparent cause—pay attention and consider if it could be a symptom of bullying. The same is true if your child seems angry, frustrated, agitated, or stressed out before or after activities with peers. Mood changes associated with bullying are usually long-lasting and would appear most evident after school or after other activities involving other people.

2. Frequent Illness and Injuries

A recurring pattern of headaches, stomachaches, and other physical ailments—whether real or those you suspect are fake—can signal that a child is being bullied. A student may also visit the school nurse frequently. Another warning sign of bullying is the frequent appearance of unexplained cuts, bruises, and scratches.

3. Declining Grades and Attitude

A significant change in your student’s attitude about school can be one of the symptoms of bullying. Even before grades are impacted, you may notice your student losing interest or enthusiasm for school or falling behind in schoolwork. Signs of bullying in a child as a victim commonly begin with an ordinarily happy child starting to say that they hate school or activities they used to enjoy attending and then suddenly start avoiding it entirely. Some children who are bullied even often refuse to talk about the events of the day.

4. Changes in Eating Habits

Emotional distress from bullying may increase or decrease your child’s appetite and could result in skipping meals, binge eating, or an overall change in eating habits. Unexpected eating changes can be related to stress or may stem from a bully stealing food or lunch money. If you notice changes in your child’s eating habits, gently speak to them about what may be going on.

5. Disappearing Possessions

If a normally responsible child begins to show a pattern of losing belongings or bringing home damaged belongings, bullying could be involved. If you suspect your child’s belongings are being stolen or damaged by other students, consider reaching out to a school counselor for assistance.

6. Trouble Sleeping

Stressful bullying situations may also interfere with your child’s sleep patterns. Take note if your child has more trouble than usual getting up in the morning or falling asleep at night. Inconsistencies such as excessive or inadequate sleep can be a warning sign of bullying, as can recurring nightmares or bedwetting for a child who normally remains dry.

7. Aggression

A child who is being bullied may begin to get in trouble more often at home or at school. They may behave more aggressively and may even bully siblings or other younger, smaller kids. If you begin to notice this symptom of bullying, start a conversation with your child or ask a counselor for help.

8. Low Self-Esteem

Pay attention if your child begins to mention running away or feeling helpless or not good enough. Sometimes feelings like these can lead children to attempt to hurt themselves or begin substance abusing.

9. Changes in Computer Usage

Not all bullying occurs in person, so keep an eye on your student’s computer usage. If your child is the victim of cyberbullying, they may suddenly stop using the computer—or begin spending long hours on it. A child who is being cyberbullied may act secretive or nervous about what they are doing online—or may appear upset after texting or using social media.

10. Changes in Socialization

While children’s friendships can change rapidly, particularly during adolescence, parents should observe whether there’s an overall pattern. A sign of bullying in high school may present itself in your student spending more alone time than usual, and avoiding peers, friends, family members, and social situations. Another symptom of bullying might be if your student becoming withdrawn, evasive, fearful, or clingy.

Noticing the Symptoms of Bullying

Knowledge is power for parents and students alike. Be sure to talk together about bullying prevention—even if you don’t currently see signs of bullying.

If you or your child notice any warning signs of bullying, reach out to a counselor or staff member at your child’s school to share your concerns. Counselors will be able to provide advice about talking with your child about bullying and overcoming bullying, as well as providing other supportive resources.

A safe learning environment is essential for your student to get the best education possible. Connections Academy prides itself on being a safe, nurturing learning environment for all students.

To learn how your student can benefit from online school, visit Connections Academy for more information on how online public school for grades K–12 works. Or, to learn about online private school, visit Pearson Online Academy’s website.