How to Tell If Your Child is Being Bullied, Bullying Others

In light of the teachers and parents play an important role in preventing students from becoming victims of bullying.

In 2010, the Washington State Legislature passed a law that prohibits harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) in the schools. In August 2011, each school district, including Peninsula School District, was required to adopt an anti-bullying policy. Click here to read the PSD's policies.

According to Stopbullying.gov, here are some warning signs to be aware if your child is being bullied:

• Unexplainable injuries
• Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
• Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
• Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
• Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
• Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
• Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

 Kids may be bullying other kids if they:   

• Get into physical or verbal fights
• Have friends who bully others
• Are increasingly aggressive
• Get sent to the principal’s office or to detention frequently
• Have unexplained extra money or new belongings
• Blame others for their problems
• Don’t accept responsibility for their actions
• Are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity

For more information on anti-bullying, go to Stopbullying.gov.