How to spot subtle signs of bullying

MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD DOESN'T SUFFER IN SILENCE.

- BY CAMILLA FOSTER

NEW research suggests that many young people who experience bullying choose not to speak up about it.

The Economic and Social Research Institute in collaboration with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality analysed data from the Growing Up in Ireland study to examine bullying among children aged nine and 13, both in and out of school, and found that only four in 10 13-year-olds reported bullying to an adult.

When given a list of bullying experiences (such as being hit, being called names or excluded), 62% of 13-year-olds had experienced at least one of the behaviours in the past three months - repeatedly for 37% of them.

Helen Westerman, from the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), here shares some subtle signs that a child is being bullied and what parents can do to help.

A CHANGE IN TEMPERAMENT

A drastic shift in mood may indicate something isn't right.