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    • becoming withdrawn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