How to Recognize the Signs of Bullying
Signs Your Child Is a Victim of Bullying
Injuries that can’t be explained.
Destroyed or lost personal belongings.
Faking illness or regular stomach aches or headaches.
Eating habits change, maybe meals are skipped, or a child binge eats.
Nightmares or trouble sleeping.
Academic Issues: not wanting to attend school, dropping grades, or a reduction in enthusiasm for school work.
A decrease in self-esteem or feeling helpless.
Why Bullying Can Go Unreported
Children feel helpless.
Think they can handle it on their own.
Don’t want to be seen as tattletales.
Fear there might be backlash from the bully.
Feel humiliated and don’t want adults knowing what’s being said about them.
Think adults might judge them or punish them for not sticking up for themselves.
Already feel socially isolated and think nobody understands or cares.
Fear rejection from their peers who might be showing them support or giving them some protection.
Conversation Starters to Communicate With Your Child
Have thoughtful talks with your child everyday. Initiate conversations in the car, before or after homework, over meals, or when doing a shared activity. Ask open-ended questions about their day.
How’s school going?
How are your friends?
Would you change anything about today?
Did you do something fun today?
What did you learn today?
Take Action
Report Bullying. If you’ve been a victim of bullying, report the incident to your school or to organizations like CAIR-CA.
Take our Bullying Survey to share your experience: bit.ly/cphbbullyingsurvey
