Many times, children won’t tell their parents that they are being bullied because they’re ashamed or are afraid of retaliation if they tell an adult what’s happening.  That’s why it’s important to look for signs that something’s wrong.  Does your child:

Come home with bruises, cuts, ripped clothing, missing belongings, etc.?

Refuse to go to school in the morning or complain of having frequent stomachaches, headaches or other illnesses that require parents to keep the child home?

Show a sudden loss of interest in school and schoolwork?

Appear depressed, moody and becoming tearful without a reason?

Become socially isolated with few good friends?

Rush in to go to the bathroom after getting home from school?  Bullying often takes place in the school bathroom because adults aren’t present and it’s easy to block the exit.

Get in trouble at school?  At times, the child who is being bullied lashes out in response.