Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person physical or emotional harm. Bullying can take many different forms, such as name-calling, threats, physical violence, and exclusion from social activities. It can happen anywhere – at school, at work, or even at the home
While bullying is often thought of as something that happens to kids, it can happen to people of any age. Adults can be bullied by their co-workers or bosses, and children can be bullied by their classmates or even siblings. Unfortunately, bullying is all too common; according to the National Bullying Prevention Center, one in four kids will be bullied this year.
Common Symptoms of Bullying
Most people think of bullying as physical violence, but it can take many forms. It can be verbal (teasing, name-calling, making threats), social (excluding someone from a group or spreading rumors about them), or cyber (sending mean text messages or posting hurtful things online). All of these types of bullying can leave lasting scars.
When it comes to bullying, there are some common signs to look out for. If you see your child or someone else’s child exhibiting any of the following behaviors, it may be a sign that they’re being bullied.
Withdrawing from friends and family: A person who is being bullied may start to withdraw from friends and family. They may stop wanting to go to school or participate in activities they once enjoyed.
Excessive anxiety or fearfulness: A person who is being bullied may seem excessively anxious or fearful. They may have trouble sleeping or experience nightmares.
Change in eating habits: A person who is being bullied may start skipping meals or lose their appetite altogether. Alternatively, they may start binge eating as a way to cope with the stress of the situation.
Unexplained injuries: If your child is coming home with bruises or cuts and they can’t explain how they got them, it may be a sign that they’re being bullied.
Sudden loss of friends: If a person suddenly doesn’t want to hang out with their friends anymore or stops talking about the friends they used to have, it could be a sign that they’re being isolated by a bully.
Lost or damaged belongings: If a person’s belongings start disappearing or showing up damaged, it’s possible that a bully is taking them or vandalizing them.
If you or someone you know are being bullied, there are some things you can do. Tell someone you trust what’s going on. This could be a parent, teacher, or counselor.
Who Is This Bullying Quiz For?
Are you worried that you or someone you know might be getting bullied? This quiz might help you identify whether you or someone is being bullied. It covers a range of topics, including physical, emotional, and digital bullying. If you’re not sure whether what’s happening is bullying, this quiz might help.
How Accurate Is This Quiz?
This quiz is NOT a tool to identify mental health disorders. Only a licensed mental health care professional or specialist can diagnose mental health disorders.
MySelfCareNotes believes that self-assessments can be an initial step toward getting treatment. Too many people tend to avoid seeking professional assistance out of fear that their objections are not serious or legit enough.
