Bullying is a serious problem. Children, as young as 5 years of age, get bullied.  Bullying is a traumatic experience especially for children who are bullied for years. Their suffering has gone unnoticed by their parents so they don’t get the help they need. School bullying can damage children’s self-esteem. These children become victims and they suffer emotionally, socially and academically.
There are different types of bullying. Verbal bullying usually involves name-calling and/or teasing. On the other hand, social bullying includes spreading rumors, intentionally leaving others out of activities and breaking up friendships. While physical bullying means hitting, pushing, punching and other intentional physical harm. 
Parents need to be aware of early sings of bullying which include:

• Becoming withdrawn and isolated
• Persistent somatic complaints such as headaches and stomachaches
• Making excuses not to go school in the morning
• Feeling sad which can lead to serious depression and suicide attempts
• Decline in school performance
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Sleep and appetite disturbances
• Constant worries and fear
• Low self-esteem and self-image
• Not having friends
• Feeling helpless and/or acting helpless

Some children don’t share with their parents about what goes on at school.  It is important for parents to connect and spend consistent quality time with their children.
Tips for dealing with bullying:

• Gently ask your child about school and friends.
• Be sensitive when your child shares with you that s/he gets bullied. Listen attentively and let your child know that being bullied is not her/his fault.
• Find out from your child how long the bullying has been going on, what has been tried to stop the bullying and what has worked or not worked so far.
• Teach your child to be assertive. It is important that your child not react aggressively when s/he gets bullied but rather stand up straight and tell the bully in a firm tone of voice to stop or that what was said is not kind.
• The more parents practice with their children how to deal with bullying the more equipped your child in dealing with it effectively. Role-playing is the most effective strategy that parents can practice with their child what to say and what to do.
• Encourage your child to be in a group, and help your child how to stay in a group. Bullies are less likely to pick on a child in a group.
• If your children have been bullied for a while, sometimes they start bullying others. As parents, it is vital to watch your children for such behaviors. Teach them how to have more self-control and have the power by staying cool and calm.
• Discuss the problem with your child’s teacher, principal and counselor. An unemotional meeting with all three people can help everyone figure out how to help a child who is dealing with bullying.

Bullying can have long lasting effects. If your child becomes withdrawn, depressed, reluctant to go to school, and a decline in school performance, additional professional consultation and intervention is required. What occurs during childhood can set the tone for the rest of one’s life. Often children who are bullied become bullies and participate in violent behaviors. Seeking professional help earlier can lessen the risk of lasting emotional consequences for your child.