Three signs your child may be being bullied
Bullying has a way of hiding in plain sight – often leaving subtle clues that are easy to miss but crucial to catch.
For parents, rising concerns about the impact of bullying on kids’ mental health make it more important than ever to stay tuned into what’s happening in their children’s lives.
School is meant to be a place for growth and learning, but bullying can turn it into a daily struggle that affects everything from a child’s self-esteem to their grades.
Recognizing the signs early and knowing when to step in can be the difference between a child feeling isolated or supported. In this article, Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of Legacy Online School, explains how to catch three critical early warning signs and turn things around.
1) Withdrawal from activities they once loved
One of the first signs that something might be wrong is a sudden lack of interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy. Maybe your child was always the first to grab their soccer ball or start a new art project, and now they seem disinterested or even reluctant to engage. This withdrawal often signals emotional turmoil and can be an indicator of bullying.
When kids struggle with bullying at school, the activities that once brought them joy can feel like a chore, or they may simply lack the energy or confidence to engage. If you notice your child stepping back from what they love, it might be time for a gentle, open conversation.
2) An unexpected drop in grades
If your child’s report card suddenly shows a surprising drop in grades, it may be more than just a tough subject or challenging assignment. Bullying can take a heavy toll on a child’s focus and self-esteem, which makes it hard for them to keep up with schoolwork. If they’re preoccupied with social tensions, it’s difficult for them to give their full attention to classes or homework.
Look out for sudden changes in academic performance, such as lower test scores, missing assignments, or teachers noting a lack of participation in class. This could be a sign they’re feeling overwhelmed and could use some extra support and reassurance at home.
3) Unexplained physical complaints
Frequent stomach-aches, headaches, or complaints about feeling ‘off’ with no obvious cause could actually be rooted in stress and anxiety from bullying. The body often uses physical ailments as a way of expressing emotional turmoil or high stress, especially in children who may not fully understand or feel comfortable articulating their feelings.
If your child frequently wants to stay home due to minor, hard-to-explain ailments, it could also be a way to avoid a tough social environment at school. Don’t hesitate to dig a little deeper and encourage them to share how they’re feeling in school, while also letting them know you’re there to help.
Support your child through bullying
Open, honest communication is the best way to support a child through bullying, as many children are hesitant to speak up about their experiences. They might be embarrassed, or even fear that they might be blamed.
Parents can ease these worries by creating a safe, judgement-free space where their child feels comfortable expressing themselves. Rather than jumping straight to solutions, start by simply listening – this gives them room to share openly and without interruption.
You should also ask questions that show you’re invested in helping them, such as, ‘How did that make you feel?’ or ‘What would make school feel safer for you?’
Once you’ve established trust on the issue, work together to devise a plan, keeping their comfort at the forefront. By letting them lead the process, you’re addressing the immediate issue while also teaching them lifelong skills in advocating for themselves and building resilience. And remember: bullying can take place online as well as face to face.
Legacy Online School provides a high-quality, flexible, and accredited online education for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Their curriculum is designed to foster academic excellence and personal growth, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
