Parents: Why are children bullied?

It is important not only to recognize the basic behavior patterns of bullies, but also those of the person(s) being bullied.  In some situations, children are bullied for no apparent reason, but in most situations it is because they are different in some way.  Differences mean only that we are unique individuals.  No one should feel that their differences are a negative part of themselves, or that differences give other people reasons or the right to pick on us.  Many things make us different, including but not limited to: 

• Physical Size / Height
• Physical Shape / Weight
• Disabilities 
• Skin Color
• Ethnic Group
• Speech & Language
• Language & Accent
• Religious Faith & Belief System
• First Name or Surname
• Shyness & Quietness
• Appearance & Clothes 

Is your child being bullied?

Be aware of the signs that your child may be the  target of bullying, even if the incident has not been reported to you.

Symptoms & Signs: 

• Withdrawal and isolation during the evenings and weekends when your child is not at school.
• Does your child spend a lot of time alone rather than playing in the neighborhood with other children?
• Grade average drops, typically a change is due to distraction.
• Is your child easily distracted during activities at home?
• Does your child change clothes immediately after coming home from school, so that any damage will not be noticed?
• An unusual request for money typically needed for supplies or other unexpected expenses.
• Has your child been running out of supplies more frequently than normal?

Download an excerpt from the StopBully.com's Bully Prevention Guide