20 Warning Signs Your Child May Be Getting Bullied at School

A child who is bullied may seem afraid to go to school, walk to school by themselves, or ride the school bus. This is true even if the child is bullied online. Some kids who bully spread rumors aiming to embarrass another child.

Bullying is often about power whether in the form of physical strength or popularity. A person who sees himself in a more powerful position is targeting someone seen in a weak position. The bullied child may not want to talk to about the reason for being sad, moody, teary, or even depressed.

Loss of friends and avoiding social situations is another common sign that a child is being bullied. Children may start to withdraw in order to avoid social interactions. They isolate themselves on purpose as a defense mechanism.

Self-esteem is basically how people value themselves. Children with low self-esteem don’t think highly of themselves and believe they have little worth — which is what the person bullying them may be saying in one form or another. Emotional bullying often includes intimidation.

Bullied children sometimes lash out. Acting out against siblings or parents is not an uncommon response in kids who are bullied. Research by Steven & Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York found that victims of physical bullying were four times more likely to act aggressively, and victims of cyberbullying were 10 times more likely than children who have not experienced bullying.