Bullying

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be

aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a child:

 

is frightened of walking to or from school

doesn't want to go on the school / public bus

begs to be driven to school

changes their usual routine

is unwilling to go to school (school phobic)

begins to truant

becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence

starts stammering

attempts or threatens suicide or runs away

cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares

feels ill in the morning

begins to do poorly in school work

comes home with clothes torn or books damaged

has possessions which are damaged or " go missing"

asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully)

has dinner or other monies continually "lost"

has unexplained cuts or bruises

comes home starving (money / lunch has been stolen)

becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable

is bullying other children or siblings

stops eating

is frightened to say what's wrong

gives improbable excuses for any of the above

is afraid to use the internet or mobile phone

is nervous & jumpy when a cyber message is received

 

These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated

Bullying Websites

www.bullying.org

www.cyberbullying.org

www.netsmartz.org