8 Warning Signs That Your Child Is Being Bullied And What You Should Do About It

As National Bullying Prevention Month comes to a close, it’s important to remind ourselves of the prevalence of bullying, and what parents, friends, and children themselves can do about it.

Here’s a shocking number: 160,000 children skip school each day out of fear of emotional or physical abuse from other students. Furthermore, the presence of smartphones can make it easier for cyberbullying and other bullying to undetected by teachers or other adult guardians.

Think your child might be getting bullied in school? Don’t know who to call? Check out our list of warning signs, tips, and local resources below.

Warning Signs

Unexplained damaged or missing items
Fear of being left alone; suddenly clingy to you
Drastic change in mood or personality; depressed
Change in routine; difficulty sleeping; change in eating habits
Suddenly has fewer friends; doesn’t want to go to school or social activities
Sudden and notable drop in grades
Starts bullying younger siblings
Blames his or herself for problems; feels that he or she is not good enough

What You Should Do About It

First of all, it is important to take into consideration the fact that children who are bullied consequently develop a fragile self-esteem. Directly confronting your child about if they are being bullied be an awkward and embarrassing situation for them. Many victims of bullying feel they are at fault, and thus it is humiliating to admit to being abused by ones peers, and in many cases they will refuse to admit it.

Instead of this direct approach watch your child’s body language. You will be able to tell more from it than what your child is saying, or not saying. At the same time, you should continuously stress to your child that you are always available and ready to help if there is a problem.

It is additionally important to boost your child’s confidence levels at any opportunity you may be given. Praise your child when they get a good grade, make their bed without being told, do something nice for their siblings, etc. Hearing these positive comments will help them realize that they are valuable individuals despite what others may be saying or doing to them.

Bullying is a hurtful and difficult form of abuse. However, like many others in the past, your family will be able to identify and overcome the bullies in your child’s life.

Here are some local resources that can aid in this process:

Anti-Bullying Leadership Network

Local Parents, via the New York Times

NYC Department of Education

NYC Teen

Scholastic Parent Guide to Bullying

The Parkside School

Empowering Students with Language-Based Learning Differences Through Comprehensive Education and Support The Parkside School offers a comprehensive and nurturing educational experience for students with language-based learning differences and disabilities. Our program is designed to support the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of each child, empowering them to thrive in a structured yet flexible learning environment. At the heart of Parkside&rsquo;s approach is a robust curriculum that integrates literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts, all tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles. Our team of dedicated teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and counselors collaborate closely to provide individualized instruction and therapeutic support, ensuring that each student receives a holistic education. Small class sizes enable our staff to build strong relationships with students, fostering a deep understanding of their strengths and challenges. Parkside&rsquo;s multi-disciplinary team utilizes evidence-based interventions such as The Zones of Regulation and executive functioning strategies to promote self-regulation and problem-solving skills. Our occupational therapy program supports sensory integration and fine motor development, while speech and language services target communication skills, helping students express themselves more effectively and build stronger connections with peers. Beyond academics, Parkside emphasizes social-emotional learning through a community-centered approach. We provide students with a safe, supportive space to build self-confidence, social skills, and independence. Our inclusive community is further strengthened through partnerships with families, who are encouraged to take an active role in their child&rsquo;s educational journey. At Parkside, we are committed to helping children discover their potential, preparing them not only for academic success but also for meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Blüm Autism Study

The Bl&uuml;m Study is currently enrolling children aged 3&ndash;8 with autism. Visit blumstudy.com for more information and to find a study location near you!

Westchester School for Special Children

The&nbsp;Westchester School&nbsp;is a New York State approved, non-public&nbsp;school&nbsp;that provides educational and therapeutic services to students from New York City,&nbsp;Westchester&nbsp;County, Long Island, and Connecticut.&nbsp; The school views all children, regardless of functioning level or handicapping condition, as children with potential for growth and development. Historically, educational programming, particularly for the severely handicapped was primarily concerned for easing the burden of those who cared for these children. Changes in legal standards and socio-philosophical perspectives made this an excessively limited and limiting approach. The rational for program and selection of educational objectives is based upon the developmental needs of the individual child.