VICTIMS OF BULLYING

Children who are bullied tend to be sensitive and socially withdrawn. They may have low self-esteem and they may have a quiet temperament. These children are anxious and more likely to get depressed. Because they are passive, they often let other people be in control. These victims do not stand up for themselves. The attacks are not the fault of children who are bullied. It is important for children to understand this. Boys are more likely to be bullied than girls in both psychological and physical ways. Sometimes a child who is bullied ends up bullying others. These victims often respond by feeling anxious and aggressive to the bullying. They do not know how to handle those feelings so they target other children who they think will not fight back. Children in some extreme situations, may attempt suicide. They may also lash out violently against those who bullied them. Victims of bullying need to be watched for signs of suicide such as withdrawing from family and friends. Children being bullied may be embarrassed and not want to tell their parents or other adults about it. Poor sleep, unexplained bruises, frequent crying and making excuses not to go to school are signs of being bullied. Children in elementary school who are bullied often say they feel sick in the stomach and/or don't feel like eating. Also, they say they have a sore throat or a cold.