This school year, the RCMP wants parents to be aware of the signs that may indicate your child is being bullied.

Victims of bullying often make poor decisions because they experience low self-esteem and suffer from increased anxiety.

Cpl. Greg Church, of the RCMP Community and Aboriginal Diversity Policing Section says, “At times, victims of bullying feel helpless and they need help figuring out how to deal with it. As parents, you have to be aware of the signs of bullying and ensure your child knows they can come to you for help.”

Some warning signs that may indicate your child is being bullied:

– Not wanting to attend school or participate in extra-curricular activities;
– Anxious, fearful and over-reactive behavior;
– Low self-esteem and makes negative comments about him/herself;
– Constant headaches and stomach aches;
– Low interest and performance in school;
– Loses things, needs money, reports being hungry after school;
– Injuries, bruising, damaged clothing, broken items;
– Unhappy, irritable, little interest in activities;
– Trouble sleeping, nightmares, bed-wetting;
– Expresses threats to hurt themselves or others

Please visit www.deal.org/parents/bullying for more parenting tips on how to recognize and deal with bullying.

Source: http://www.bedfordbeacon.com/rcmp-ask-you-is-your-child-being-bullied