5 Warning Signs that Your Child is Being Bullied

Unfortunately for parents, children often won’t tell when they’re being bullied, whether they’re embarrassed or fear either retaliation or escalation. But there are signs parents can watch for, including:

A sudden change in personality, including loss of appetite, unexplained mood swings, uncharacteristic anger, social withdrawal or acting out.

Daily stomachaches or headaches or a refusal to go to school.

A drop in grades or loss of interest in schoolwork.

Frequent requests for more lunch money.

Unexplained scratches or bruises, or torn or soiled clothes.

Certain types of children are also more likely to be targets of bullies.

Sadly, special-needs students can be picked on for their differences, whether physical or social. But researchers believe any child who is particularly sensitive, lacks social boundaries, has low self-esteem, fails to defend himself or, especially, does not have a peer group is more likely to be bullied. Bullies pick targets that are either passive or easily provoked.

Related reading: Helping Kids with Special Needs Avoid Bullying

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