Return to Bullying Prevention

How Do I Know If My Child Has A Problem?

Signs & Symptoms of a Bullying Issue

 

DECLINE IN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE:

  • A recent decline in grades
  • Failure to inform parents of school events, including requests for parents to meet with teachers, etc.
  • Loss of interest in school activities, including dropping out of extracurricular activities, athletics, clubs etc.
  • Loss of interest in schoolwork
  • Does not want to attend school
  • Strong desire to be home schooled

 

PEER RELATIONSHIPS:

  • Withdrawal from friends
  • Avoiding social situations
  • Secrecy regarding social media (online bullying behavior)
  • Unexplained lost or destroyed items

 

PERSONALITY CHANGES, EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS:

  • General change in mood toward a more depressed and negative outlook
  • Withdrawal from family members
  • Is more secretive, isolates in room, withdraws into music
  • May be defensive when asked about personal problems, may not be able to identify what is wrong
  • Exhibits a loss of energy, initiative, motivation, interest or enthusiasm
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Excessive fears, worries, or feelings of guilt
  • Inability to cope with daily stress
  • Crying spells
  • Suicidal thinking

 

PHYSICAL PROBLEMS:

  • Appears run down
  • Changes in eating (either too much or too little)
  • Changes in sleeping habits (either too much or too little)
  • Complaint of physical pains (stomach aches, headaches, body pains)
  • Self-harm behavior (cutting)
  • Faking illness

 

ALCOHOL/DRUG-SPECIFIC INDICATORS:

  • May start drinking alcohol or using other drugs as an escape from emotional pain

 

DISRUPTION OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS:

  • May seem irritable, unwilling to talk

 

Timothy Lena, MSW, CPS                                           Kelley Binette, MSW, MLADC

Timberlane Regional High School                              Timberlane Regional Middle School

(603) 382 – 6541 x 3408                                             (603) 382 – 7131 x 4926

Timothy.Lena@timberlane.net                                  Kelley.Binette@timberlane.net

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.timberlane.net/sa/bullying-prevention/how-do-i-know-if-my-child-has-a-problem/