Bullying

Sometimes it may not be obvious that your child is being bullied. And they may not be ready to tell you. Here are a few signs that you can look for that may indicate your child is being bullied. Torn or Ripped Clothing One sign your child may be experiencing physical bullying is torn or ripped clothing. If your child comes home from school with a tear in their hoodie or ripped jeans be sure to ask what happened. This is a good way to start the conversation and let them know you care. Damaged Property If your daughter or son bring any of their personal items home from school damaged, it could be a sign they are being bullied. Broken tablets or laptops, damaged backpacks, torn folders, ripped paper and cracked or missing cell phones can all indicate something is wrong. Make sure you ask questions, especially if you notice multiple or repeated damages to personal items. Unexplained Cuts, Bruises, and Scratches This is important to look for. Any physical symptoms should be addressed right away. When asking what happened, look for details and make sure to offer reassurance. Changes in Attitude or Behavior Watch for changes in attitude towards school, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite or other noticeable changes in their behavior. If something is happening and they do not know how to deal with it, it can affect their mood. If you notice changes, take the opportunity to sit down and talk to them. Sometimes just taking time to ask the right questions can make a big difference.