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  • any significant change in behaviour (eating less, becoming withdrawn, changes in sleep patterns)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.

Where can I find further advice?

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.

Where can I find further advice?