Bullying: Signs to Watch For

Warning Signs for Bullying: 

There are many warning signs that may indicate that someone is affected by bullying—either being bullied or bullying others. Recognizing the warning signs is an important first step in taking action against bullying. Not all children who are bullied or are bullying others ask for help.

It is important to talk with children who show signs of being bullied or bullying others. These warning signs can also point to other issues or problems, such as depression or substance abuse. Talking to the child can help identify the root of the problem.

Signs a Child Is Being Bullied:

Look for changes in the child. However, be aware that not all children who are bullied exhibit warning signs.

Some signs that may point to a bullying problem are:

Unexplainable injuries

Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry

Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness

Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.

Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares

Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school

Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations

Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem

Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

If you know someone in serious distress or danger, don’t ignore the problem. Get help right away.

Signs a Child is Bullying Others:

Kids may be bullying others if they:   

Get into physical or verbal fights

Have friends who bully others

Are increasingly aggressive

Get sent to the principal’s office or to detention frequently

Have unexplained extra money or new belongings

Blame others for their problems

Don’t accept responsibility for their actions

Are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity

Why don't kids ask for help?

Statistics from the 2012 Indicators of School Crime and Safety - PDF show that an adult was notified in less than half (40%) of bullying incidents. Kids don’t tell adults for many reasons:

Bullying can make a child feel helpless. Kids may want to handle it on their own to feel in control again. They may fear being seen as weak or a tattletale.

Kids may fear backlash from the kid who bullied them.

Bullying can be a humiliating experience. Kids may not want adults to know what is being said about them, whether true or false. They may also fear that adults will judge them or punish them for being weak.

Kids who are bullied may already feel socially isolated. They may feel like no one cares or could understand.

Kids may fear being rejected by their peers. Friends can help protect kids from bullying, and kids can fear losing this support.

Workplace Bullying: 7 Warning Signs

Sign #1: Ignoring, isolation and exclusion

This form of abuse could involve the perpetrator:

Deliberately ignoring or avoiding a target;

Purposefully excluding someone from group meetings, discussions or decisions;

Or intentionally making someone feel isolated from the team.

Sign #2: Minimization

This form of abuse could involve the perpetrator:

Discounting or diminishing someone else's views or concerns;

Making someone else feel useless or underused;

Or only delegating the worst of tasks or responsibilities. 

Sign #3: Creating hostility among colleagues

This form of abuse could involve the perpetrator:

Purposefully causing hostile competition between employees;

Intentionally creating conflict;

Fostering a hostile team environment;

Encouraging backstabbing;

Or publicly ranking employees.

Sign #4: Undue criticism

This form of abuse could involve the perpetrator:

Constantly giving unreasonable or non-constructive criticisms;

Fostering feelings of shame or guilt in employees;

Or making employees feel as though their work is unworthy or inadequate. 

Sign #5: Projection of blame, taking credit

This form of abuse could involve the perpetrator:

Using an employee as a scapegoat for work mistakes;

Blaming others for their own mistakes or faults;

Or assuming credit for work that is not their own.

Sign #6: Deception

This form of abuse could involve the perpetrator:

Lying or deceiving employees;

Omitting information;

Or willfully giving incorrect information. 

Sign #7: Manipulation of employees' roles

This form of abuse could involve the perpetrator:

Purposefully blocking progress of work;

Falsely promising projects or career progression;

Removing responsibilities without justification;

Or shifting expectations or guidelines without cause.