Is Your Child a Bully at School?

It’s an important question that not many parents ask… Is my child a bully?

Bullying is a growing problem. According to BullyingStatistics.org, 44 percent of middle schools report bullying problems. This growing epidemic can lead to academic problems, violence and even suicide.

To see if your child is a bully at their school, pay attention to these warning signs.

• How are they treating you? – Is your child overly aggressive toward you and other adults? Do they act violently? This could be a sign of bullying.

• Watch behavior with siblings and friends – How is your child treating siblings and friends? Are they acting overly aggressive?

• Check their temperament – If your child gets easily frustrated, it could be a sign that they’re a bully.

• Monitor their internet usage – From time to time, take a look at your child’s social media profiles. Are they harassing anyone? Let them know cyberbullying will not be tolerated.

• Check text messages – Another place to check is your child’s cell phone. Take a look to see if there is anything that seems like bullying.

• Listen to teachers – If there’s anyone who knows what’s going on at school, it’s the teachers. During conferences, ask about your child’s behavior.

If you’re noticing any signs that your child is a bully, it’s important to put an end to the behavior. Let your child know this is unacceptable behavior and there are consequences. If the bullying persists, you might want to consider counseling.

The key to stopping bullying is creating a home environment where everyone is respected and valued.

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