Children and Bullying: Signs & Support in York, Manchester & online

What is Bullying?

Bullying can take many forms in different places, such as at school, at a sports club or cyberbullying online, or from friends. It can be experienced both verbally or physically and take place at any age.

Some children or young people might be bullying themselves, and this is often a result of their own unresolved, personal issues, which makes them choose to lash out at others.

 

Symptoms of Bullying

Unless your child or teenager directly speaks to you about being bullied or has physical injuries or bruises, it can be hard to know it is going on.

You may notice some changes in your child or teenager’s behaviour, which can be an indication that they are being bullied:

Seeming anxious

Not being themselves

Unable to sleep

Unable to eat

Doing the things they usually enjoy

Being moodier

Easily upset

Avoiding certain situations (like taking the bus to school)

 

How to deal with Bullying

It is never pleasant to think about your child being bullied, or worse, being a bully. However, over 50% of all children are involved as the bully, victim, or witness. Meaning there will be a point where your child will experience it.

Make sure to listen to your child and not get angry or upset about the situation.

Never tell your child to retaliate or shout back; it won’t solve the problem and could increase your child’s stress and anxiety.

Make it clear you will support them and work with the school, authority or governing body to find a solution.

 

When to get help with Bullying

Whilst it is important to report bullying to the school or body of authority to stop it from continuing, the effects of bullying may have a long term impact on your child or teenager.

If your child or teenager’s changes in behaviour do not ease through talking to them and exploring ways to help manage them together, then it may be time to seek professional help. This also applies if your child or teenager themselves is a bully and needs to resolve what is triggering this behaviour.

We understand seeking therapy can be daunting for both you and your child and that taking the first step can be hard. We have a team of professional and friendly child therapists who can work together with you and your child to design a bespoke and flexible treatment which works best for them. Our children’s therapy services are available for children and teenagers aged 5 to 17, at our clinics in York, Manchester and online.

Please get in touch using the form below to find out more about how we can help.