Warning Signs Indicating A Child Is Being Bullied or At-Risk:
- Sudden change in school attendance.
- Frequent complaints of stomach aches, headaches, loss of appetite, etc. especially before going to school and returning.
- Avoids recess.
- Declining school work/participation or overinvestment in academic performance and/or becoming the teacher’s pet.
- Has a learning disability or obvious difference from other students.
- Appears pre-occupied and has difficulty concentrating.
- Insufficient social skills, inadequate self-assertion skills and socially isolated.
- Body language reflects low self-esteem or appears physically smaller/ weaker/ clumsier than other students.
- Irritates other students.
- Passive, withdrawn, overly sensitive.
- Displays signs of anxiety.
- Displays signs of depression.
- Presents injuries/upset with explanations that do not seem to fit.
- Talks about running away or suicide.
Warning Signs Indicating a Child is At-Risk for Displaying Bullying Behavior:
- Appears to enjoy feeling powerful, in control, dominating, or manipulating classmates.
- Equates being powerful and respected with fear.
- Skilled at sneaky behavior
- Blames others.
- Exhibits little compassion.
- Frequently on the defensive.
- Behaves in defiant and oppositional manner toward adults
- Seeks unusual amount of attention and attracts it through negative behavior.
- Displays impulsivity and lack of coping skills.
Please Note: These lists are not intended to be all inclusive with regard to bullying, and indicators included may also signify other mental health and/or school related concerns.