Bullying: recognize the signals.

Be alert to signs

Bullying is not always easy to see. A bully hides their actions and a bullied child often feels too ashamed to speak up right away. Other children involved also usually do not tell what is happening quickly. Does your child come to you with a bullying problem? Then take it seriously: it is a hard step to talk about it. Usually, a bully or bullied child does not come to you by themselves. So be alert to the signs.

Signs from the victim and bystanders

Usually you can see that something is wrong from the bullied child’s behavior. But bystanders can also suffer and show certain signs. These are general signs of someone who is bullied or affected by bullying in class:

• Your child changes behavior: they become quiet and withdrawn or aggressive. Sometimes the child starts thumb-sucking or bedwetting again;
• School results get worse;
• Bad sleep;
• Less self-confidence and does not dare to do things alone;
• Often has broken items or injuries;
• Complains of stomach or headache and nausea;
• Is literally alone, does not bring friends home, and avoids parties;
• Seems unhappy or depressed;
• Is afraid to go to school or be alone on weekends or holidays;
• Eats differently than normal;
• Looks for safe places and avoids groups and playgrounds.