Bullying behaviour involves both physical and emotional actions. Name calling, teasing, kicking, pushing and hitting are all examples of behaviours that, when intentionally and repeatedly used to hurt someone else, are defined as bullying. If you suspect your child is being bullied, some of the following signs may be evident:

• Physical signs such as bruising, cuts or scratches and damage to clothes or belongings;
• Somatic complaints, such as sore tummies, headaches, unexplained pain;
• Indications of fearful behaviour ;
• Signs of anxiety, such as biting finger nails and bed-wetting;
• Reluctance to go to school;
• Changes in behaviour, such as becoming increasingly moody, irritable, tearful or distressed;
• Experiencing nightmares or has difficulty sleeping;
• Has few friends and invitations to parties.

Children who experience bullying benefit from learning focussed strategies to assert themselves in these situations. Building self-esteem and resilience contributes positively to the child’s capacity to manage bullying situations more effectively.

If you have concerns that your child requires help to learn strategies to address bullying behaviour, please give Resilient Kids a call on (07) 3902 1973.