There are various methods of bullying. Some methods include physical, verbal, and cyber. Unfortunately, 1 out of 5 students have reported being bullied at some point during their education, making bullying way more common than it should be. It is vital that signs of bullying are spotted to help assist the student whoe is the victim. 

If left unaddressed, victims can internalize their issues which may lead to mental health problems which gradually get worse and worse. Be wary that bullying signs can differ from victim to victim. 

Let's delve into some telltale signs that your child or a student you may know, is being bullied.

Not wanting to go to school: This one in particular is a good one to look out for on a Monday morning when they have had a break at the weekend and have felt safe. Being reluctant to go to school is a tell-tale sign that something is going wrong at school.

Drop in their academic performance: Being bullied could cause a student to lose focus on their work due to being distracted by what is going on with the bullying. This can also lead to a loss of motivation to do well.

Loss or gain of appetite: If you notice a change in behavior when it comes to your child’s eating habits, this could be a telltale sign that they are being bullied. The anxiety and stress caused by bullying could lead to a loss of appetite. Likewise, if your child is coming home hungry it might indicate that they haven't eaten their lunch due to the bullies.

Struggling with sleep: Fear of what is going to happen the next day at school can lead to your child struggling to sleep at night. If your child is having frequent nightmares, then this could also be caused by bullying. Try listening to what their nightmares were about as this could indicate more of what is going on at school.

Loss of friendships: Unfortunately, it is common for existing friends to abandon the victim who is being bullied, as they fear that they will become a victim too. Look out for any loss of friendships and try to stay in touch with the parents of your child's friends to keep better track of any patterns which may occur and find the warning signs early on.

They are often poorly: Sadly, our bodies can react physically when we are going through stress. With bullying, this could cause headaches, stomach pains and the sensation of feeling sick. Likewise, children might fake illnesses to avoid having to go to school. Whether they are faking it or it is genuine, it is a tell-tale sign that something is wrong at school.

How to spot bullying signs?

There are various factors to look out for which may indicate your child or someone you know is being bullied at school. Usually, more than one of these signs will occur, so try to look out for patterns and consistencies within these signs. With the right help and support, your child can be guided through their struggles, but first, you need to spot the signs!