5 Warning Signs Your Child is Being Bullied at School – Must Read!

For many parents, spotting the signs of school bullying and determining whether their child is affected can be difficult. Often, kids don’t talk much about their school experiences once they’re home. Adults might sometimes mistake bullying for mere playground disputes among peers. So, how can you recognize a bullying situation? It’s crucial to stay alert to changes in your child’s behavior and watch for specific indicators.

1 – The child is reluctant to go to school

The impact of school bullying can significantly affect a child’s daily life. “A student who suddenly doesn’t want to go to class or drags their feet is not just being lazy,” explains Nora Fraisse in her book “Stop Bullying!” It’s important to pay attention to this discomfort which may manifest as difficulty getting up in the morning, a rejection of school, a desire to stay home, fear of taking the school bus, being late, or asking for money. Your child might ask you to walk them to the school gate until it opens, or to pick them up after school.

2 – The child has injuries or damaged belongings

Even if your child insists they just fell by accident, it’s unlikely they are that clumsy. Their belongings are often vandalized; they might ask for a new pencil case because theirs was “accidentally” soaked, they lose their notebooks, coats, come home with mud stains or injuries… The child may try to hide their injuries, even lying to avoid worrying their parents.

3 – The child is exhausted and showing signs of distress

Their dread of going to class and facing the bullies can lead to anxiety, stomach aches, crying, bed-wetting, or nausea. They need to constantly be on guard, aware of their surroundings, and this can be exhausting. “They might also have nightmares, develop eczema, lose hair, experience hormonal imbalances, such as delayed menstruation for girls, or even show signs of stunted growth,” shares psychologist Hélène Romano.

“They might have nightmares, develop eczema, lose hair, have hormonal imbalances, or even experience stunted growth.”

4 – The child is isolated

A child who is bullied often becomes increasingly isolated. “They are not invited to classmates’ birthdays and don’t have anyone’s contact info. If they miss a class and need to catch up, they wouldn’t know who to ask for help,” Romano adds. They tend to play alone, withdraw from groups, sometimes even hiding in bathrooms or the library during recess, eating quickly in the cafeteria to then seek refuge somewhere quieter. They try to avoid places frequented by their classmates and might not want to celebrate their own birthday at home.

5 – The child shows academic failure

The affected child may struggle to focus in class. The school, which should be a safe space, becomes a threat. The child finds it hard to pay attention, which is reflected in their academic performance. When they’re old enough, they may even skip classes without telling anyone. Meanwhile, they try to avoid their tormentors by being systematically late or absent.

At home, they might also seem distant and worried, be restless, complain, lose their appetite, or become irritable and aggressive. These are also crucial signs to be aware of.