TIP SHEET

The Effects Of Bullying

Kids and teens are hesitant to talk about being bullied. Parents should watch for sudden changes in your child’s behavior.

Signs of Being Bullied

• Withdrawal
• Depression
• Reluctance to go to school
• Sudden drop in grades
• Self-deprecating talk
• Staying away friends
• Crying Episodes
• Frequent complaints of headaches and/or stomach aches
• Unexplained bruises
  
  

Long-Term Effects of Bullying

Bullies create a constant fear in their victims. Some kids lose all self-esteem, suffer from severe depression and turn to drug and alcohol use. Some kids are so tormented that they use suicide as an alternative.
Kids and teens look to their parents for protection and advice. Many think bullying will toughen kids up or that it’s a right of passage. It used to be like that. Not anymore! Our kids are subjected to more than we ever were. It’s a different world today!
We cannot allow our children to hurt from these senseless acts of empowerment from other kids who have learned this behavior.

And remember – what is learned can be unlearned.