Table 1

Indicators of bullying and victimization

INDICATORS OF BULLYINGINDICATORS OF VICTIMIZATION
Children bullying others might exhibit the following indicators:
  • Physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches)

  • Psychosomatic symptoms (difficulty sleeping, bed-wetting)

  • Depressive symptoms

  • Anxiety symptoms

  • Alcohol and substance use

  • Poor school functioning (low grades, dropping out)

  • In extreme cases, suicidal thoughts or suicide

Children being bullied might exhibit the following indicators:
  • Physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches)

  • Psychosomatic symptoms (difficulty sleeping, bed-wetting)

  • Depressive symptoms

  • Anxiety symptoms

  • Absenteeism from school, refusal to attend school

  • A drop in school motivation and performance

  • In extreme cases, suicidal thoughts or suicide

Parents might have observed other behavioural signs of bullying:
  • Little concern for others’ feelings

  • Aggressive or manipulative with siblings, parents, and others, or with animals

  • Possesses unexplained items or extra money

Parents might have observed other behavioural signs of victimization:
  • Loses items, needs money, hungry after school

  • Injuries, bruising, damaged clothing, broken items

  • Threatens to hurt self or others