Bullying is a pervasive issue among school-aged children, characterized by unwanted, aggressive behavior that often reflects a power imbalance. It can manifest in various forms, including physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying, and tends to recur over time. While bullying can affect any child, certain groups—such as students with disabilities, and those who may appear different culturally or physically—are at a heightened risk. Bullying can lead to many negative outcomes, including detrimental effects on mental and physical health, increased substance use, diminished educational experiences, and even higher risks of violence and suicide.1
Research indicates that bullying is most prevalent in elementary school, peaks during middle school, and gradually declines in high school. It’s essential for parents, guardians, educators, and other trusted adults to be aware of the signs that a child may be involved in bullying, either as a victim or a perpetrator. Recognizing these indicators can help adults better identify and support affected students. Potential warning signs of bullying may include:1
- Avoiding social situations or expressing a desire to not go to or be at school
- Displaying physical symptoms: frequent headaches, unexplained injuries, or difficulty sleeping
- Exhibiting changes in eating habits, such as skipping meals or binge eating
- Expressing feelings of helplessness, low self-esteem, or talking about suicide
- Displaying changes in device use and/or hiding screens when others are near
- Losing or having damaged clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
Cyberbullying can be especially harmful because digital platforms are always accessible, making it harder for victims to find relief. Online content can be difficult to remove or delete, having compounding effects on a victim’s mental and emotional well-being over a long period of time. Families and students are critical partners in preventing bullying because they can contribute to a positive school climate and reinforce anti-bullying rules and expectations. To support bullying prevention activities that take place at school, parents and guardians should watch for key indicators or warning signs of bullying, actively talk about bullying with their children, and communicate with school staff if their student is involved in bullying.1
Clearly communicating behavioral expectations can significantly reduce the incidence of bullying and its associated risks. Proactive measures and collaborative efforts can help protect children from the harmful effects of bullying, ultimately promoting a safer and more supportive environment for all students. Together, we can make a difference in preventing child abuse through effective bullying prevention strategies. If you are interested in learning more about bullying prevention or becoming a member and gaining access to our Resource Center ($10/month or $99/annually), visit https://advocatefortheinnocent.org/memberships/ to learn more.
1 – https://www.schoolsafety.gov/bullying-and-cyberbullying