The Most Common Types of Bullying:

• Physical: Hitting, tripping, and/or kicking
• Verbal: Name-calling and teasing
• Relational/Social: Spreading rumors and leaving out of groups
• Damage of Property: Damage or destruction of personal belongings
• Cyberbullying: Bullying occurred through technology

(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

Signs Your Child May Be Getting Bullied

• Unexplained injuries
• Lost or damaged belongings
• Faking illness to avoid school
• Changes in eating habits or appearance
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• Declining grades or disinterest in school
• Avoiding friends and social situations
• Decreased self-esteem
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Signs Your Child May be Bullying Others

• Engaging in physical or verbal fights
• Friends with bullies
• Increased aggression
• Frequent trouble at school
• Bringing home others' belongings
• Concerned about others' opinions
• Avoiding accountability

(From U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021)

Be Proactive: Strategies to Prevent Bullying Before it Becomes a Problem

• Teach your child assertive language.
• Help them identify "safe friends" to talk to about bullying.
• Identify "safe adults" they can report bullying to.
• Encourage involvement in activities they enjoy.
• Monitor peer incidents for bullying patterns.
• Educate your child on bullying and encourage them to speak up.
• Partner with teachers and school staff for open communication

(Howard, 2023)

References:

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. (2023, SEPTEMBER 28). FAST FACTS: PREVENTING BULLYING. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. HTTPS://WWW.CDC.GOV/VIOLENCEPREVENTION/YOUTHVIOLENCE/BULLYINGRESEARCH/FASTFACT.HTML
HOWARD, J. (2023, NOVEMBER 6). HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CHILD IS BEING BULLIED. CHILD MIND INSTITUTE. HTTPS://CHILDMIND.ORG/ARTICLE/HOW-TO-KNOW-IF-YOUR-CHILD-IS-BEING-BULLIED/