Anti-Bullying Week: expert explains hidden signs of bullying

With a staggering 40% of young people in the UK facing bullying in the past year, recognising the signs has never been more crucial.

As Anti-Bullying Week approaches in November with the theme “Choose Respect”, Explore Learning is helping provide parents with the knowledge to spot and address bullying behaviour early, both online and offline.

“With 21% of children who experience daily bullying resorting to truancy, it’s clear that the impact extends far beyond the playground, affecting education and overall wellbeing,” says Charlotte Gater, Head of Education at Explore Learning. Anti-Bullying Week serves as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to foster respect and work towards creating safer, more compassionate environments for our children”.

Spotting the early signs: from playground to cyberspace

Experts at Explore Learning highlight key early warning signs that may indicate a child is experiencing or engaging in bullying:

• Children being bullied may display unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches. Additionally, they might suddenly become reluctant to use their mobile phones or computers, or attend school. Parents should also be aware of any changes in eating or sleeping habits, as well as unexplained damage to belongings or requests for extra money.
• For children who may be bullying others, parents might notice increasingly aggressive behaviour or language. These children might acquire unexplained new belongings or extra money. They may refuse to accept responsibility for their actions and display a highly competitive attitude, often struggling to accept losses. Their academic performance may also be affected, showing sudden drops in grades or disruptive behaviour in class.

In the digital realm, parents should be particularly aware of:

• Secretive online activity, such as hiding screens or quickly switching tabs
• Emotional distress after using social media or receiving messages
• Sudden withdrawal from previously enjoyed online activities

Supporting your child: 4 essential tips for parents and carers

Charlotte offers these key strategies for parents dealing with bullying situations:

1. Create a safe space for communication 

Many children hesitate to tell adults about bullying, fearing it might make the situation worse or viewing it as ‘telling tales.’ Encourage open dialogue without judgement and make it clear that speaking up is a sign of strength, not weakness. Regular check-ins, even about small daily events, can help build trust and make it easier for your child to share their experiences when something is wrong.

2. Teach digital literacy and online safety

Educate your child about safe online practices, including how to block and report abusive behaviour on social media platforms. Discuss the importance of privacy settings and the potential consequences of sharing personal information online. Regular conversations about their online experiences can help you stay informed and offer support.

3. Foster resilience and self-confidence 

Help your child develop strong self-esteem by encouraging their interests and strengths. Support them in pursuing hobbies they enjoy, as these can provide a sense of accomplishment outside of school. Model positive self-talk at home, demonstrating how to speak kindly and build a resilient mindset.

4. Address bullying behaviour in your child 

If you’re concerned your child might be bullying others, have an open, non-judgmental conversation to understand the root cause. Work with them to develop empathy through interactive activities like role-playing exercises that help them understand how others feel when treated unkindly. Engage them in volunteering activities that put them in caring roles, such as helping at animal shelters or participating in community service projects. Reading and discussing stories about kindness and inclusion can also help develop emotional awareness. Set clear expectations for behaviour and consequences for bullying, and seek professional help if the behaviour persists.

“It’s vital that we equip our children with the tools to navigate challenging social situations, both online and offline,” Gater adds. “By fostering open communication and teaching resilience, we can help build a generation of young people who choose respect in all their interactions.”

For more information on how Explore Learning supports children’s education and wellbeing, visit https://www.explorelearning.co.uk/free-resources/how-to-deal-with-cyberbullying-as-a-parent-or-carer/