Warning Signs
Keeping in mind that many victims and bystanders do not It is vital for parents and schools to spot the warning signs:
- Unexplained bruising, cuts or damaged clothes
- Visible signs of anxiety or distress – refusal to say what is wrong
- Unexplained mood swings or behaviour
- becoming withdrawn
- becoming clinging
- attention seeking
- aggressive behaviour
- Out of character behaviour in class
- Deterioration in educational attainments
- Loss of concentration
- Loss of interest in school
- Erratic attendance
- Mitching
- Lingering behind in school after classes are over
- Increased requests for pocket money or stealing money
- Loss of or damage to personal possessions or equipment
- Artwork expressing inner turmoil
Warning Signs for Cyberbullying
While the signs for effects of cyberbullying are often indistinguishable from those of traditional bullying, there are some specific to cyber-bullying:
- Appears upset when online or coming offline
- Appears upset when viewing a text message
- Withdraws from social interaction with peers
- Possible drop in academic performance
A significant proportion of cyber-victims also remove themselves from the online venue in which the in which the cyber-bullying occurred, with as many as one in five feeling forced to stay offline for a period of time.
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In addition to these signs and symptoms there is the likelihood of there being psychosomatic symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches and general insomnia, is also great. Bed-wetting and sleepwalking can also be indicative of the psychological stress associated with bullying.
Suggested Further Reading & Links
Cyberbullying: Bullying in the Digital Age. (2008) Kowalski,R.M., Limber,S.P, and Agatston,P.W. Blackwell Publishing, 2008.
Bullying: A Handbook for Educators and Parents (2009) Rivers,I., Duncan,N. & Besag,V.E. Rowan & Littlefield. Philadelphia.
Bullying: A Parent’s Guide (2005) Need 2 Know. Peterborough.
Tell Tale Signs – Bully 4 U - http://bully4u.ie/bullying-in-schools/communicating/warning-signs-of-bullying/
Understanding School Bullying (2010) O’Moore, M. Veritas. Dublin