Did you know that more than 3.2 million learners are bullied yearly in South Africa? These shocking statistics paint a grim reality of what children go through every single day, even at school.

 

The topic of bullying is such a serious issue that affects children physically, emotionally and socially.

 

According to The Parent Centre, bullying can be defined as “an aggressive overt, as well as aggressive subtle behaviour that involves an imbalance of power, where one individual or group intentionally harms, intimidates, or exerts control over another person who is perceived as vulnerable. This behaviour is typically repetitive, occurring over time, and can be physical, verbal, social, or cyber in nature. Bullying can also be subtle and take the form of shaming, isolating and shunning.”

 

Why Addressing Bullying Matters

 

Bullying is more than just a childhood challenge—it can have lasting effects on a child’s mental and physical health, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and other chronic health problems.

The impact of bullying goes far beyond the playground. Recognising the warning signs earlier helps parents protect their children’s wellbeing and create a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive.

Physical signs are often the earliest indicators that something is wrong, even before emotional changes become apparent. These cues are especially crucial when a child is reluctant to talk about their experiences.

 

So recognising the warning signs of bullying earlier on allows parents to take action, provide the necessary support, and create a safe environment where their child can regain confidence and feel secure.

Here are five important physical signs that parents should be aware of.

 

1. Unexplained Injuries

Repeated injuries like cuts, bruises, scrapes, or sprains can be a clear sign of bullying, especially if a child can’t explain how they got them. Some children may hide the cause of their injuries because they feel scared. Parents should calmly ask their children about what happened without pushing too hard.

 

2. Frequent Complaints of Illness

Bullied children often experience physical symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches or fatigue, which may be stress-related or an attempt to avoid school. Bullying-related stress can trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response, leading to issues such as those mentioned above, as well as restlessness, stomach upsets, or nausea.

3. Changes in Eating Habits

Bullying can change how a child eats. They might eat less due to stress or anxiety or for comfort. Look for signs like skipping meals, sudden weight loss or gain, or avoiding eating in front of others.

4. Damaged or Missing Belongings

A clear sign of bullying is when a child often comes home with lost or damaged items. This could include torn uniforms, ripped school bags, broken or missing electronics, or stolen lunch money.

5. Sleep Disturbances

Bullying-related stress and anxiety can affect a child’s sleep. They might have nightmares and find it hard to fall asleep, toss, and turn through the night. Poor sleep can affect their physical and emotional health, leading to tiredness, trouble focusing, and mood swings.

How to Help if You Suspect Bullying

Parents are encouraged to take proactive steps if they suspect their child is bullied. Here are some practical actions to consider:

For more information on common signs that your child may be experiencing bullying, click here.