Experiencing bullying behaviour

Published 01/01/2017. Last updated 06/06/2023

If your child has experienced bullying behaviour, this may include:

being called names, teased, put down or threatened
being hit, tripped, pushed or kicked
having belongings taken or damaged
being ignored, left out or having rumours spread about them
receiving abusive messages by text or online
behaviour that makes your child feel that someone else is controlling what they do or say
being targeted because of who they are or who they are thought to be.

If your child shows any of the following signs, they may be experiencing bullying behaviour:

any significant change in behaviour (eating less, becoming withdrawn, changes in sleep patterns)
torn or damaged clothing
having possessions go missing or 'losing' pocket money
scratches and bruises that can't really be explained
not wanting to go to school or having trouble with school work
changing the route that is taken to and from school
not wanting to go out and play with friends
unexplained head/stomach aches and other pains
easily upset, unexplained tears or ill-tempered behaviour
being nervous about text messages or using the internet
giving improbable excuses for any of the above.

Talk to your child about what is going on and the reasons for this behaviour. You may also want to talk to your child's school.

How can I help?

Speak to your child – are they being bullied or have they had fallen out with a friend?
Take notes of what they are telling you (names, dates, locations, text/email messages etc).
Ask them what they want to do.
Involve them in any plans or decisions.
Keep in contact with your child's school.

respectme - Scotland’s anti-bullying service is fully funded by the Scottish Government to provide direct support to local authorities, youth groups and all those working with children and young people to build confidence and capacity to address all types of bullying effectively.
Also from Respectme - Bullying... A guide for parents and carers (PDF file).
Respect for All: The National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People
Mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing

Published 01/01/2017. Last updated 06/06/2023

If your child has experienced bullying behaviour, this may include:

being called names, teased, put down or threatened
being hit, tripped, pushed or kicked
having belongings taken or damaged
being ignored, left out or having rumours spread about them
receiving abusive messages by text or online
behaviour that makes your child feel that someone else is controlling what they do or say
being targeted because of who they are or who they are thought to be.

If your child shows any of the following signs, they may be experiencing bullying behaviour:

any significant change in behaviour (eating less, becoming withdrawn, changes in sleep patterns)
torn or damaged clothing
having possessions go missing or 'losing' pocket money
scratches and bruises that can't really be explained
not wanting to go to school or having trouble with school work
changing the route that is taken to and from school
not wanting to go out and play with friends
unexplained head/stomach aches and other pains
easily upset, unexplained tears or ill-tempered behaviour
being nervous about text messages or using the internet
giving improbable excuses for any of the above.

Talk to your child about what is going on and the reasons for this behaviour. You may also want to talk to your child's school.

Speak to your child – are they being bullied or have they had fallen out with a friend?
Take notes of what they are telling you (names, dates, locations, text/email messages etc).
Ask them what they want to do.
Involve them in any plans or decisions.
Keep in contact with your child's school.

respectme - Scotland’s anti-bullying service is fully funded by the Scottish Government to provide direct support to local authorities, youth groups and all those working with children and young people to build confidence and capacity to address all types of bullying effectively.
Also from Respectme - Bullying... A guide for parents and carers (PDF file).
Respect for All: The National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People
Mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing