Bullying is a painful topic; sometimes even deadly. Often, parents aren't aware of the troubles their child is facing from their peers, either at school or in their group of friends, until it's too late. Damage is done either mentally or physically by the time parents are involved.
Bullying is a social problem of disrespect often involving peer pressure or group compliance through non-intervention. This sadly means many students who need advocates to be protected are in fact vulnerable and isolated, even in a group of people. Just because your student has friends doesn't mean he is safe.
Unfortunately this view point of parents is often coupled with the belief students will talk to adults if there is a problem. Bullying is often suffered in silence, out of fear of repercussion or embarrassment, so this false assumption of speaking out to get help is also often untrue.
What's a parent to do? Know what to look for in your student, even before he comes to you needing help. Here are a few warning signs to look for:
1. Withdrawn behavior or unnatural irritability
2. Frequent school absences or feigned illness
3. Reluctance to participate in student groups
4. Depression and mood swings
5. Changes in grades or schoolwork persistence
6. Sarcastic comments and self-degrading actions
7. Unexplained physical wounds or marks
8. Missing or damaged personal items
9. Personality switches between grade levels (especially from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school)
10. Changes in friend groups or unexplained activities
Here is another good list of warning signs! If you suspect your student is being bullied, talk with your child. Communication is the first step towards healing and finding a solution. If you fear for your child's mental or physical safety, remove him from the environment in question. If problems are happening at school, don't prolong suffering by keeping him there. While you can't change other children, you can help your own. Many alternative schooling options are available.
What steps do you take to ensure your child isn't being bullied?