Most, if not all, children have been teased at some point in their lives. In classrooms and playgrounds, name-calling, insults, and mockery are regrettably not uncommon. Bullying, on the other hand, is a different and more serious issue. "Bullying is undesired, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance," according to StopBullying.gov. Bullies are physically stronger than their victims, or have greater power as a result of their age, fame, or another hierarchical element. Bullying can also become a habit, making the situation even more dangerous for the victim.

Bullying has been linked to low self-esteem, physical injuries, sleep problems, headaches, stomach problems, chronic pain, and increased stress and worry among victims, according to research. It may also have an impact on their academic potential.

Of course, parents will do everything they can to protect their children from bullying, but what if they are unaware that it is occurring? You could believe that if something was wrong with your child, he or she would tell you, and that any major bullying conduct would be mentioned, but many children prefer to suffer in silence.

Why Do Bullied Children Remain Silent?

Fears that things will deteriorate: Many mistreated children feel that if the bullying conduct is reported, the bully would only make things worse for them.

Embarrassment: Children aspire to be cool, popular, and self-sufficient. Admitting that you've been bullied doesn't fit with that image.

Assume it's normal behavior: The line between bullying and regular child behavior is thin. Some children are unaware that bullying is a problem that can and should be addressed.

Uncertain about the reaction of the parents: If their parents haven't talked about bullying with their children, they may not know what to anticipate when they report being bullied. They may be worried that their parents will be disappointed.

Because children may not disclose bullying, it's critical for parents to be aware of the warning indicators of a bullied child, particularly those that aren't immediately apparent. Some of these indicators are listed below:

 Symptoms That Your Child Is Being Bullied

Property that has been stolen, lost, or damaged: When a child returns home without a valued object.It's possible that a bully is robbing him.

Doesn't want to go to school or take the bus any longer: An unexplainable aversion to attending school is a warning sign that something is wrong. Kids may try to avoid being bullied on the bus or on their way home if they are being bullied.

Unusually hungry after school: A youngster who wants to eat more than a snack right after school may have skipped lunch in the cafeteria to avoid being bullied, or a bully may have stolen the child's lunch or lunch money.

Has nightmares or sleep problems: Younger children may even begin to wet the bed.

When children are bullied, their personalities change. They may become sullen, withdrawn, or moody. Parents may mistake this behavior for typical adolescent anxiety, but it could be the result of bullying at school.

Changes in appearance: Children who start wearing differently or changing something they used to admire about their appearance may be reacting to bullying.

Headaches or stomachaches: Bullied children frequently develop bodily reactions to stress that they did not previously experience. They may even claim to be unwell in order to avoid the bully by staying home from school.

Change in online behavior: Cyberbullying can harm children just as much as physical bullying. If a child used to like using the internet and texting friends, but suddenly utilizes personal gadgets less or becomes unhappy after looking at them, it's time to intervene.it could be as a result of cyber bullying.When a parent enters into the room, a youngster who hastily hides the phone or closes the computer could be trying to hide online attacks.

Starts bullying others, such as siblings or friends: Some bullied children may vent their emotions on younger children, eventually becoming bullies themselves. According to Katie Hurley, "children who are alienated and feel despised or unsupported by peers often turn to bullying to acquire some social control."

Physical manifestations: Bullying can result in cuts, bruises, scrapes, sprains, and even broken bones at school. Parents may be unaware of such outward symptoms because children may conceal wounds to avoid a discussion about bullying.

 What Can Parents Do?

The first step is to communicate with your youngster. While children may be hesitant to admit to bullying at first, if the topic arises spontaneously in discussion, they may begin to discuss the issue. Instead of asking if they're being bullied at school, consider asking questions like whether there are any new kids on the bus or if the instructor has any problems with disobedient students in class. You can learn about your child's day without forcing them to reveal more information than they want to.

Set up a meeting with the teacher to address the problem and gain more clarity if you suspect or determine that your child is being bullied.Bullying is a challenging condition for schools to manage in a fair and comprehensive manner. If your child is experiencing emotional, physical, or intellectual difficulties as a result of bullying, it may be time to look for a new school. For bullied children, online learning, which allows them to learn at home through a Stride K12-powered virtual public school, can be an excellent alternative.