Bullies in Our Schools

Most parents get up in the morning and prepare to send their children off to school without ever giving a second thought as to what their child might have to go through on their way to school or even while they are at school. Parents naturally and rightfully assume that their child is in a safe and non-threatening environment when they are sent to school each day. However, as violence increases throughout our school systems, so does bullying. According to the website Allwords.com, a bully is defined as, "a person who hurts, frightens, or torments weaker or smaller people."

Is your child being bullied? Unfortunately, being bullied is something that many children are forced to endure on a regular basis. According to the website Safeyouth.org, " Almost 30% of youth in the United States (or over 5.7 million) are estimated to be involved in bullying as either a bully, a target of bullying, or both." One step to stopping this terrible act if it is happening to your child is by recognizing some of the signs that your child is being bullied.

1.) Not Participating In Activities with Friends - If you notice that your child is suddenly not interested in attending routine activities or going out to spend time with their friends, it might be time to sit them down and talk to them. Many times, children think that if they avoid the bully, the situation will eventually go away. It is easier to miss out on fun times with their friends than it is to endure what the bully plans to do them if they try and participate. It is also common that their friends will not defend them or will even join in on the bullying, just to avoid being the next victim. Noticing a sudden change in your child's social life, should send up some red flags and be a cause for some concern.