How to Know If Your Child Is Being Bullied at School

Bullying in schools is a serious issue that affects not only students’ academic performance but also their emotional well-being. While schools are implementing anti-bullying initiatives, many cases still go unnoticed by teachers and even parents. Understanding the behavioral and emotional signs of bullying is key to early intervention.

Understanding the Scope of School Bullying

Bullying continues to affect a significant portion of the student population across the United States. A 2022 report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that 19.2% of students aged 12–18 reported being bullied at school (NCES, 2022). This included behaviors such as being made fun of, threatened, physically harmed, or socially excluded.

The same study revealed that bullying was more prevalent in middle schools than in high schools, with over 26% of middle school students reporting victimization (NCES, 2022). Furthermore, female students were more likely than male students to experience verbal and relational bullying (StopBullying.gov, 2023)

 

 

Bullying doesn’t always end in the classroom. The rise of digital technology has enabled cyberbullying, with 15% of students saying they were bullied online or via text in 2021 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).

Signs That a Child May Be Experiencing Bullying

Children who are bullied often do not speak up directly. Instead, they display changes in mood, habits, or physical well-being. Recognizing these early indicators is essential.

1. Behavioral Changes

• Avoidance of School: Children may show a sudden reluctance to attend school, ask to stay home, or even fake illness. Chronic absenteeism is a documented effect of school bullying (StopBullying.gov, 2023).

• Loss of Interest in Activities: A child may stop participating in extracurricular activities they once enjoyed or avoid social events with peers.

 

 

2. Emotional Symptoms

• Depression or Anxiety: Victims of bullying often display increased levels of sadness, irritability, or nervousness. A longitudinal study published in the journal Pediatrics found that bullied children are significantly more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders in later life (Wolke et al., 2013).
• Low Self-Esteem: Negative self-talk, feeling unworthy, or expressing hopelessness may point to sustained emotional abuse by peers.

 

 

3. Physical Signs

 

• Unexplained Injuries: Frequent bruises, cuts, or scrapes may result from physical bullying.
• Frequent Somatic Complaints: Headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue that are not linked to a medical condition can be psychosomatic responses to stress (CDC, 2023).

 

 

Research-Based Evidence on the Effects of Bullying

The consequences of bullying are well-documented in academic and governmental research:

• A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked bullying to increased risks of poor academic achievement, substance use, and mental health disorders (CDC, 2023).
• The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) reported that students who were bullied were more likely to experience suicidal ideation and attempts (CDC/YRBSS, 2021).
• Research in the Journal of School Psychology shows that bullying victims have higher dropout rates and decreased long-term educational outcomes (Beran & Li, 2007).

 

 

What Parents Can Do If They Suspect Bullying

If you suspect your child is being bullied, taking calm, structured, and compassionate steps can make a critical difference:

• Open the Lines of Communication
  Create a safe and nonjudgmental space for your child to talk. Use open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me about a difficult moment you had at school today?” (StopBullying.gov, 2023).
• Document the Evidence
  Maintain a log of incidents including dates, descriptions, and any correspondence with the school. This documentation is essential if escalation is needed.
• Contact the School
  Meet with your child’s teacher, school counselor, or principal. Ask about their bullying prevention policies and request that your child’s safety be monitored discreetly.
• Involve Mental Health Professionals
  Therapists or school psychologists can help your child process emotional trauma and develop coping mechanisms. You can also explore evidence-based resources and educational tools from platforms like Edumento to support your child’s emotional development at home.
• Empower Your Child
  Work with your child to build resilience and assertiveness. Role-play different scenarios and practice safe ways to seek help.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Bullying is more than a phase, it’s a harmful experience with potential long-term effects on a child’s emotional and academic life. By recognizing the signs early, consulting evidence-based sources, and taking informed action, parents can help their children reclaim safety and confidence at school. Supportive resources like Edumento can play a key role in this journey.

 

 

 

References

• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). (2022). “Student Reports of Gangs at School.” https://nces.ed.gov
• StopBullying.gov. (2023). “Facts About Bullying.” https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/facts
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). “Preventing Bullying.” https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/bullyingresearch/index.html
  
• Wolke, D., Copeland, W., Angold, A., & Costello, E. (2013). “Impact of Bullying in Childhood on Adult Health, Wealth, Crime, and Social Outcomes.” Pediatrics, 132(6), 1053-1060.
• Beran, T., & Li, Q. (2007). “The Relationship Between School Bullying and Academic Achievement.” Journal of School Psychology, 45(4), 355-377.
• CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). (2021). “Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data.” https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm