Signs that a child is being bullied

Be aware that not all children who are bullied exhibit warning signs. Signs of bullying include:

• Unexplainable injuries;
• Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics or jewelry;
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches, feeling sick or faking illness to avoid school or social situations;
• Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating (kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch);
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares;
• Avoidance of such areas as the playground, cafeteria or restrooms;
• Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork or not wanting to go to school;
• Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations;
• Loss of interest in activities formerly enjoyed;
• Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem; and/or
• Self-destructive behaviors, such as running away from home, self-harm or talking about suicide.