Bullying is a problem in even the country’s finest schools, and the internet has bred a whole new type of cyberbullying that can be equally harmful to children. Yet, many parents and guardians aren’t even aware that their child is being bullied until it has gone too far. If you’re a parent or guardian, it’s time for you to get educated on the signs of bullying.
What is Bullying?
Before we get into the telltale signs of bullying, we want to take a minute to define bullying. Some parents may have a vague idea of what bullying is, but then they may not be able to spot it out in the real world.
Bullying is defined as an intentional, aggressive, repeated behavior where one or more persons seek to harm, intimidate, or coerce another. Bullying always involves an imbalance of power or strength, with one person picking on another person they perceive as vulnerable. Bullying may include:
- Hitting, punching, beating
- Verbal teasing, name-calling, or threats
- Sexual harassment
- Online harassment
- Emotional abuse
- Hazing
Signs of Bullying
Now that you understand more fully what bullying is, how can you spot it? Here are some of the common signs of bullying:
- Bruises or scratches
- School avoidance
- Unexplained depression
- Lack of confidence
- Few friends
- Poor performance in school
- Complaints about headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained health issues
- Changes in appetite
- Anxiousness
Learn More
If you want to learn more about bullying or get a mental health help referral, contact us at Reno Behavioral Healthcare. It’s our mission to create a supportive environment to help all patients on the road to recovery from behavioral health disorders. We believe all patients deserve the best in healthcare. Get in touch today!