Bullying is not always easy to detect in our children. Children who are bullied or threatened at school may deny or minimize their bullying experiences for a number of reasons. For example, they may want to preserve a perceived friendship, maintain participation in a social circle, or fear that if their parents become involved, they will be viewed as a “tattle tale.”
However, parents can and should be alert to possible signs of bullying and feel empowered to intervene when necessary. In some cases, symptoms of bullying can present as vague or confusing to a parent. A general guidepost for parents who are struggling with this dilemma is to examine whether any behavior directed toward their child is deliberately hostile and repetitive in nature. As well, is the hostile behavior pattern reoccurring over a period of time?
In general, bullying behavior ranges from attacks that are physical, verbal, or emotional. While physical attacks may involve pushing, kicking, hitting or pinching, verbal bullying may involve name calling, sarcasm, racial slurs and teasing. Emotional bullying can be more difficult to identify, but often involves children deliberately excluding another child from activities or ridiculing and humiliating another child. In particular, emotional bullying may include spreading false lies or rumors. This form of bullying has become more socially prevalent and culturally amplified through wide spread use of cell phone and internet access (cyber bullying). Importantly, at the core of bullying dynamic, is an imbalance in power or strength which results in a child having difficulty defending him or herself.
Symptoms of bullying may manifest themselves in your child through a range physical, emotional or behavioral changes:
- Depression; sadness, poor appetite, sleep difficulties, and/or upset stomach
- Low self esteem
- Withdrawal or social isolation
- Declining grades
- Suicidal thoughts
- A reluctance or fear of attending school
- Frequent complaints of illness or stomach problems in the mornings
- Experience nightmares or nightly crying spells
- Have their possessions frequently disappear or stolen while at school
- Continually lose their lunch money or ask for additional money
- Begin to bully other children, including their siblings
- Become generally anxious or fearful
- Complain that friends at school are teasing them, making fun of their appearance, or treating them inconsistently
In the next article on bullying, I will address ways to empower both you and your child in managing and addressing bullying behaviors across a range of social environments.
Dr. Lydia Kalsner-Silver is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of children and families. Her credentials include a doctoral degree from Rutgers University with an emphasis in multicultural counseling. Dr. Kalsner-Silver also holds two masters degrees in psychology from Columbia University. She has lectured and published in various subject areas including college student adjustment, child development, parenting issues and attachment across the lifespan. Currently, Dr. Kalsner-Silver is the clinical director and owner of Dr. Lydia Kalsner-Silver and Associates, a multi-specialty psychology practice with locations in both Miami Beach and Weston, Florida.
As a mother of twin tweens in 2011 and an active Girl Scout Troop leader, Cristy realized there was a need to develop bilingual digital content and foster a community facing the challenges of raising kids after first grade. That year she founded and remains co-Publisher of Los Tweens & Teens, to support multicultural parents and mentors with content related to raising Gen Z- tweens & teens ages 7-18. Through the Los Tweens & Teens LIVE events such as Teens & Me – the growing team aims to provide our community with essential resources from chats with therapists to battle anxiety and bullying, to understanding social media and technology.