Bullying includes any behavior that threatens your child or causes distress, hurt or pain whether it is emotionally, physically or a combination of these. There are many reasons why a child may be the subject of bullying. A child may be bullied because they wear spectacles, or because of how they look, religion, race, signs of poverty, family break-up, being shy or even quiet. A child may be picked on when they stand out to be different from other children and so the bully feels this child can be easily targeted.

It is a fact that bullying can destroy the confidence of a child thus leaving them feeling worthless, frightened, withdrawn and alone. The consequences of bullying if not stopped quickly could impact on a child for many years.

In the recent past several surveys of children have been undertaken and many have found that more than half said that they had been bullied at school. Most schools have in place an anti-bullying policy. However, despite this it would appear that bullying continues to be a major issue for children of all ages in our society today.

As parents, one of the most important things that needs to be learnt is being able to recognize the signs that might indicate that your child is being bullied in school, or indeed any club or society that your child may attend. Whilst these signs do not automatically point to bullying, they nevertheless can be a useful indicator. These are the signs to look out for:

Reduced appetite.

Feeling sick in the morning, or has a headache, or stomach ache, and therefore does not want to go to school.

Not sleeping well and/or having bad dreams.

.A change in your child's behavior such as being moody, depressed, tearful or quiet and withdrawn when he/she comes home.

Having low self-esteem when previously this appeared good.

Does not sleep well and/or has bad dreams.

Money for lunch has been taken.

Feeling sick before school, or has a headache, or stomach ache, and therefore does not want to attend school that day.

Has lost interest in studying and school grades have recently fallen.

Comes home from school with torn clothes.

No desire to take the bus to school.

Personal belongings have been damaged, broken, or been stolen.

Lunch money has been taken.

Has fewer friends than previously, or no real friends at all.

Interest in taking part in school activities has reduced.

In our modern world of technology many children have a cell/mobile phone and Internet access. It is a fact that children often share their email addresses and phone numbers with their friends, but the sad fact is that friendships can easily come to an end and their personal information can, in some cases, be used against them to cause maximum hurt and embarrassment.

Therefore, has your child got a cell/mobile phone? If so, it could be your child is receiving insulting, threatening or vulgar text messages. Unpleasant messages may also be left by the bully on the answer phone. Do you really know if this is happening to your child?

Your child may also be bullied by receiving threatening emails or there may be a very unpleasant campaign carried out by several children against your child through emails or through unmonitored Internet chat rooms. In this regard, parents clearly need to closely monitor the use of these modern methods of communication by their children.

It is possible that if your child is suffering in any way, that the cause is not bullying but something else. Your child might be genuinely unwell. But as you will know your child better than anyone else, you are in the best position to determine what the problem really is and seek medical help when necessary.

Careful and thorough investigation is necessary and it is only when this has been done will you be able to confirm or otherwise whether or not your child is being bullied. Once you know this, you can then take whatever action is needed to remedy any bullying. Whatever you do, do not leave anything to chance. Keep your eyes and ears open and as soon as you suspect anything, take action quickly.