Bullying | Warning Signs

Recent research suggests that 1 in 5 teenagers have experienced bullying but it doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Cyberbullying is a reality for many young people and up to 75% of adults have experienced workplace bullying. So it is pretty safe to assume we have all experienced bullying - whether we have been bullied, been the bullying or witnessed the harsh treatment of others - and seen the huge impact it can have on someone’s quality of life.

With bullying being so common it is important that we are aware of some of the signs that might point to bullying so we can support those we care about who may not know how to talk about what they are experiencing.

The signs below may have other causes other than bullying but regardless they all point to something that needs to be explored. So what can we look out for?

• Withdrawn - the person may be quieter and less willing to participate in social activities

• Personality changes or mood swings

• Changes in eating habits

• Regular headaches and or stomach aches

• Nightmares or trouble sleeping

• Attempts to avoid going to work or school

• Self destructive behavior such as drug use, alcohol abuse, self harm or other risky behaviors

Whenever we see any of these signs in someone, we need to make sure that the lines of communication are open, leaving plenty of room for the person to share what might be going on for them. We need to make sure we really see our loved ones and those in our care so we can get alongside them when they need us most.

For more on what to do if someone shares that they are being bullied read our blog - Bullying | How To Respond

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