Bullying: recognize the signals.

If your child bullies or is bullied, you want to stop it as soon as possible. We have listed some signals to help you spot bullying faster. How do you recognize it? Be alert to the signs and try to stop bullying early.

Be alert to signals

Bullying is not always visible. A bully hides their actions and a bullied child is often too ashamed to speak up right away. Other children involved often do not tell what is happening. If your child comes to you with a bullying problem, take it seriously. It is a hard step to talk about it. Usually, a bully or bullied child does not come to you on their own. So be alert to the signals.

Signals from the victim and bystanders

You can often see from the behaviour of the bullied child that something is wrong. Bystanders can also be affected and show signs. These are general signals of someone who is bullied or who suffers from bullying in class:

Your child changes behaviour: they are quiet and withdrawn or aggressive. Sometimes the child starts thumb sucking or bedwetting again;
School results get worse;
Sleep problems;
Less self-confidence and afraid to do things alone;
Often has broken belongings or injuries;
Complaints like stomach ache, headache, and nausea;
Literally stands alone, does not bring friends home, avoids parties;
Seems unhappy or depressed;
Afraid to go to school or to be alone on weekends or holidays;
Eats differently than normal;
Looks for safe places and avoids groups and playgrounds.

Read what you can do about bullying

Signals from the bully

A bully can also show different behaviour. Do you suspect your child is a bully? These are common signs:

Refuses to work with certain people;
Has trouble understanding others;
Acts impulsively and aggressively more often;
Behaves well near authority but not elsewhere;
Opposes the group and acts like the boss;
Finds it hard to accept rules and limits.

Read our article: my child bullies others, what now?

Talk to your child

Do you recognize your child in the signs above? Then have an open talk with your child: calm, listening, and clear. Even if your child denies it, it is important that they know you are there for them. This way, they feel less need to hide the situation and you have the best chance to stop bullying quickly.

Get help for your child?