Children who are being bullied often don’t tell their parents

The research on bullying highlights the need for parents to be vigilant when it comes to their children and bullying as many children do not tell their parents they’re being bullied.

As a loving parent you might be thinking. Why wouldn’t my child tell me?” (64% of bullied children do not report it)*

There are many reasons children don’t tell their parents including:

  • “I don’t want to worry my parents.”
  • “If my parents get involved it will make it worse.”
  • “My parents won’t understand.”
  • “There’s nothing anyone can do anyway.”

It is important to keep a watchful eye on your children and if they start behaving in a way that isn’t usual, then it could be time to sensitively ask the right questions and find out what is going on. So what are the signs your child might be being bullied and not telling you? Our children are unique and so are their responses to adversity, but here are some of the common signs: Uncharacteristically spending a lot of time alone, coming home with more bumps and bruises than usual and blaming it on clumsiness or sports, loss of appetite, more moodiness especially after school or after being on social media.

It is not always straight forward to read the signs, as children can be good at hiding things from their parents – especially if they’re busy trying to manage the many challenges of daily life. However, parents need to be alert because bullying can have detrimental physical and psychological effects on a child and can result in isolation, depression and even suicide.

If you want to learn more about how to recognise the signs that your child might be being bullied and not telling you, and if you’d like to help them become bully-proof, then you’ll find parenting expert, Dr Rosina’s knowledge of the latest research into bullying invaluable.

The research shows that parents can play a supportive role in helping their children overcome and prevent bullying. For more information our Video on How to Bullyproof your Child provides parents with practical ideas and solutions that can work for you and for your child. If your child is being bullied and you feel helpless or if you’d like to bully-proof your child then watch this video to learn:

  • What bullying is and what it isn’t.
  • The prevalence of bullying and its many harms.
  • Why your child might not tell you they’re being bullied or that they are a bully.
  • Practical approaches for parents to help their children overcome bullying.
  • Empowering your child with life skills so they become “bully-proof”.

It’s time we bust the myth that parents should just instinctively know how to raise happy, healthy and capable kids. There are few if any jobs in the world that require no education, training or experience, yet when raising our most precious children we are sent home from hospital and expected to navigate highs and lows of parenting on our own.  The more parents know about helping their children eat well, sleep soundly and manage life’s challenges, the more confident they feel.

Dr Rosina’s approach to parenting is all about helping you to connect with your children so you can teach them how to be in the world and create more loving relationships and a peaceful home.

That’s why Win Win Parenting is a Win for parents and a Win for kids.

*SOURCE: Petrosino, A., Guckenburg, S., DeVoe, J., and Hanson, T. (2010). What characteristics of bullying, bullying victims, and schools are associated with increased reporting of bullying to school officials? (Issues & Answers Report, REL 2010–No. 092).