How to Assess the Effects of Bullying

In 2011, 5.9 percent of high school students reported not going to school because they felt unsafe, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Risk Behavior Survey. If your child is the victim of any type of bullying -- including verbal insults, physical abuse, purposeful social isolation or cyberbullying -- assessing the effects is a key part of solving the problem. Although some of the effects of bullying are obvious, such as physical signs, others may include more subtle or inward signs that are less obvious for even the keen parent to spot.

Instructions

    • 1

      Ask your child in private what is going on at school. Talk to her about what you suspect -- the bullying -- away from other kids who may or may not play a role in bullying behaviors, as they could influence what she will say.

    • 2

      Scan your child for visible injuries, such as bruises or cuts. Ask your child how he got the injuries. Weigh the actual look of the injuries against what he says to decide whether he is telling you the truth, looking for flimsy explanations. For example, if your child tells you that he got a black eye from falling into a doorknob at school, ask yourself if this is a realistic scenario.

    • 3

      Note unexplained physical ailments such as constant headaches or stomach aches. Bring your child to her pediatrician to assess whether these health issues have a medical cause or are part of the psychological stress of bullying.

    • 4

      Stay on top of your child's schoolwork. Look for drastic changes in grades that go beyond simply performing poorly on one test that may signal a major effect of bullying.

    • 5

      Watch your child closely for self-destructive behaviors, such as hurting himself, using illegal substances or talking about running away from home. Contact a professional, such as a pediatrician or a psychological expert, immediately if you notice your child harming himself in any way.

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