Bullying may also prevent children from achieving their full potential at school. However Parentline Plus research and expertise suggests that parents are wary of approaching their child's school about bullying - sometimes because their child worries that this will just make things worse, and often also because parents' own experiences of school lead them to fear the power imbalance between themselves and teachers.

However, all schools have an anti-bullying policy and many schools work closely with parents and the wider community to tackle bullying using a variety of methods to encourage involvement by pupils, parents and staff. These include:

Home-school agreements

Homework diaries

School councils

You may be unsure if your child is being bullied. If you suspect that he or she is then look out for signs of bullying. They may include the following:

Bruises

Broken or missing possessions

Your child is withdrawn

Changes in eating habits

Sleeping badly

Complaints of headaches or stomach aches

Bedwetting

Worrying about going to school

But there could be other reasons for these symptoms, so try to avoid jumping to conclusions. Ask yourself the following questions:

Is there anything else bothering your child?

Have there been changes in your family like a new baby, or divorce or separation?

Find out more

Talk to your child's teacher

Talk to other parents for advice

Try to build up your child's confidence

How to talk to your child about bullying

How to cope with bullying by mobile phone

Is your child a bully? Help and advice

Parentline Plus is a national charity that works for and with parents, offering help and support through an innovative range of free, flexible and responsive services - shaped by parents for parents. For more information visit Parentline Plus.

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