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One of the most serious problems your child could ever experience is bullying. In this article you will be able to identify some of the signs that may indicate your child is being bullied. Any behavior that intimidates or causes your child distress, hurt or pain whether emotionally, physically or a combination of these is regarded as bullying. There is no particular reason why a child may be susceptible to being bullied. For example, a child may be bullied because they wear contact lenses, or because of their appearance, religion, race, signs of poverty, family break-up, being shy or quiet. A child that stands out to be different from other children is usually picked on by the bully because the bully feels they can easily be bullied. It is a fact that bullying can destroy the confidence of a child thus leaving them feeling worthless, frightened, withdrawn and alone. The consequences of bullying if not stopped quickly could impact on a child for many years. Numerous surveys of groups of children have been undertaken in the recent past and many conclude that more than half said that they had been bullied at school. Despite most schools having an anti-bullying policy, it would appear that bullying continues to be a major issue for children of all ages. Parents therefore need to learn how to spot the tell-tale signs that might indicate that their child is being bullied in school, or any club or society that he or she attends. These signs do not automatically point to bullying, but they can be a useful indicator. Here are some signs to check in your child: Reduced appetite. Fewer friends than before, or has no friends these days. Not sleeping well and/or having bad dreams. Loss of appetite. Having low self-esteem when previously this appeared good. Your child has unexplained cuts and bruises. Takes a different walking route to school than previously. Feeling sick before school, or has a headache, or stomach ache, and therefore does not want to attend school that day. Has lost interest in studying and school grades have recently fallen. Takes a different route to school than previously. Has unexplained cuts and bruises. Being anxious. Walks to school using a differant route than used previously. Says they do not want to take the bus to school anymore. Interest in school work has deteriorated and school grades have recently fallen. Nowadays, because of modern technology many children have a cell/mobile phone and Internet access. Phone numbers and email addresses are often shared with friends. However, friendships can easily end and personal information can later be used against a child to cause pain and embarrassment. Therefore, does your child own a cell/mobile phone? It could be your child is receiving regular insulting, threatening or vulgar text messages. The bully may also leave unpleasant messages on the answer phone. So, is this happening to your child? The bully may also be sending your child threatening emails, or several children may be carrying out a very unpleasant campaign against your child through emails or unmonitored Internet chat rooms. Therefore, it is very important that parents monitor the use of these modern methods of communication and check how these are affecting your child. Your child may be suffering as a result of being bullied but it may not be bullying either. It could be that your child is medically unwell. As a parent you are in the best position to find out what the problem really is. It is necessary to carry out a careful and thorough investigation to confirm or otherwise whether or not your child is being bullied. It is only when you have done this investigation that you will know the answer. Once you know, you can take whatever action is needed. To protect your child it is very important that you do not leave anything to chance, so check carefully and regularly.
Article Source: http://www.bizpong.com
Author: Florrie Poff can help you to defeat child bullying fast. For Defeat Bullying Strategies subscribe to her Defeat Bullying Newsletter and download Two Free eBook Chapters This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.
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