Bullying is something no parent ever wants their child to face. Unfortunately, many kids will encounter it at some point during their school years. Whether it happens in the lunchroom, on the bus, on the playground, or anonymously online, bullying can shake a child’s confidence and sense of safety.
At Pediatric Associates of the Northwest, we want families to know that support is always within reach. Your care team is here to help you understand what’s happening, support your child, and make sure they feel heard and protected.
What Counts as Bullying?
Bullying isn’t just occasional teasing or a single disagreement. It is repeated, intentional behavior that can be physical, social, or emotional, and it involves a power imbalance between children. Understanding the different forms can help parents recognize what may be happening and why it’s important to address.
Physical Bullying
Hitting, kicking, shoving, tripping, or damaging belongings. Even if the injuries seem small, the fear it creates can be big.
Verbal Bullying
Teasing, name-calling, insults, and threats. Kids may try to shrug this off, but repeated comments can chip away at self-esteem.
Social or Relational Bullying
This can be subtle but very hurtful: exclusion, spreading rumors, embarrassing someone publicly, or pressuring others not to be friends with a peer.
Cyberbullying
Online messages, texts, or social media posts that are cruel, threatening, or humiliating. Because kids are connected all the time, this kind of bullying can feel impossible to escape.
Having words for these patterns helps families talk openly about what’s going on and what to do next.
Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing Bullying
Kids don’t always speak up when something is wrong. Sometimes they’re worried about making it worse, or they’re embarrassed, or they’re not sure how to explain it. Changes in behavior can offer clues.
- Frequent physical complaints: Stomachaches, headaches, or vague “not feeling well” episodes, especially on school mornings.
- Emotional changes after school: Irritability, tears, meltdowns, or unusual quietness once they get home.
- Avoiding certain places or routines: Not wanting to ride the bus, skipping recess, or pushing to leave school early.
- Changes in sleep or appetite: Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or sudden shifts in eating habits.
- Missing or damaged items: Lost supplies, ripped clothing, or broken belongings.
- A drop in grades or participation: Difficulty focusing, or withdrawing in class to avoid being noticed.
- Social withdrawal: Spending more time alone, avoiding friends, or relying heavily on screens.
Even one or two of these signs are worth exploring to see if there is something going on.
What to Do If Your Child Tells You They’re Being Bullied
How you respond in the moment can shape how safe your child feels coming to you again.
- Stay Calm and Listen: You may feel upset or protective. That’s normal, but keeping your reaction steady helps your child feel secure.
- Validate Their Feelings and Reassure them: “You didn’t deserve that,” “I’m glad you told me,” or “Thank you for trusting me.”
- Ask Open Questions: Let your child share at their own pace. Try questions like, “Can you tell me what happened today?” instead of pushing for details too quickly.
- Avoid Minimizing or Telling Them to ‘Ignore It’: Kids need support, not pressure to handle it alone.
- Make a Safety Plan Together: Identify safe adults at school, what to do if they feel scared, and who they can walk or sit with.
- Document What’s Happening: Keep notes or screenshots. This helps if you need to involve the school.
- Reach Out to School Staff When Needed: Schools have a responsibility to respond to bullying. Early communication often prevents things from getting worse.
- Loop in Your Pediatrician: Bullying can show up as headaches, sleep changes, anxiety, or school avoidance — all things your PANW provider and behavioral health team can help evaluate.
Helping Your Child Build Confidence and Coping Skills
While adults work on stopping the bullying, kids benefit from tools that help them feel supported and capable.
- Practice Responses Together: Short, confident statements (and strong body language) can make kids feel more prepared.
- Strengthen Positive Friendships: One good friend can make a huge difference. Encourage activities where your child can connect and feel successful.
- Model Calm Problem-Solving at Home: Kids watch how adults handle conflict. Showing thoughtful, steady responses teaches valuable skills.
- Celebrate Strengths and Small Wins: Confidence grows when kids feel seen and capable. Point out acts of bravery, kindness, and honesty.
- Offer “Reset Time” After School: Many kids need a break to decompress after a long day of social interactions.
Preventing Bullying at Home and School
You can’t prevent every situation, but you can create an environment that promotes kindness and resilience.
- Use respectful communication at home. Kids learn from what they hear and see.
- Talk about differences openly. Highlighting diversity builds empathy.
- Discuss online safety. Help kids know what to do if they see or receive hurtful messages.
- Teach when to speak up. Standing up for themselves, and for others, is an important life skill.
- Build relationships with teachers. A strong connection makes it easier to address concerns early.
- Normalize reporting. Let kids know that asking adults for help is responsible, not “tattling.”
When to Reach Out for Professional Support
If bullying begins to affect your child’s emotional, physical, or academic well-being, it’s time to loop in additional support.
Your team at PANW can help with:
- Managing stress, anxiety, or emotional concerns
- Evaluating headaches, stomachaches, or sleep issues
- Addressing school refusal or avoidance
- Behavioral health resources, counseling, or referrals
- Documentation for school support plans, if needed
Your child’s whole-person health is our priority, and we’ll help you take the next steps.
PANW Is Here for Your Family
No child should feel alone against bullies and we want all parents to feel confident in supporting their child through it.
If you’re concerned that your child may be experiencing bullying, or you’ve noticed changes that don’t feel like “just a phase,” please reach out. Our pediatricians, behavioral health specialists, and care teams are here to support your child’s well-being with compassion and expert guidance.
