Instead, it is going to manifest itself by your child saying something like, “I don’t want to go to school today.”
You know your child best and if this seems to be happening a lot, consider the possibility that bullying behaviour might be the reason behind the sick days. Changes in mood, behaviour and physical appearance can also be warning signs of someone being bullied, however, some young people may not display any warning signs at all.
Signs to look out for:
- Reluctant to go to school – headaches, stomach complaints etc.
- Missing school altogether (truanting)
- School work not up to usual standard
- Coming home with items missing and /or damaged
- Showing signs of being in a fight
- Not wanting to participate in their usual activities
- Becoming upset after using their phone or devices
- Going to bed earlier than usual
- Not able to sleep
- Become moody, aggressive or both
- Lack of confidence
- Anxiety
- Becoming quieter or withdrawn
- Acting up and getting into trouble
- Loneliness
- Bed wetting (mainly younger children)
- A change in eating habits
- Become insecure or afraid
(As there could be other reasons for these symptoms, try to avoid jumping to conclusions. Could there be anything else bothering your child such as, changes in your family?)
Your child may open up and share with you that other people are unkind to them or have said or done things to hurt them. Always listen and take them seriously, consider the facts,
and work with them on next steps. Children are developing physically, emotionally, and socially and need our help to understand how to behave towards others and when they have crossed a line.
Click here to read our information on Banter V Bullying Behaviour
Click here to download our Information Brochure for Parents/Carers
