Unfortunately, teasing is often part of growing up — almost every child experiences it. Teasing becomes bullying when it is repetitive or when there is a conscious intent to hurt another child. It can happen through verbally, psychologically or physically bullied.
How Bullying Starts

Bullying behavior is prevalent throughout the world and it cuts across socio-economic, racial/ethnic, and cultural lines. Researchers estimate that 20 to 30 percent of school-age children are involved in bullying incidents, as either perpetrators or victims. Bullying can start right from preschool and all the way to university.

Victims of bullying are often shy and tend to be physically weaker than their peers. They may also have low self-esteem and poor social skills, which makes it hard for them to stand up for themselves. Bullies consider these children safe targets because they usually don't retaliate.
Effects of Bullying
If your child is the victim of bullying, he may suffer physically and emotionally. If bullying persists, they may be afraid to go to school. Problems with low self-esteem and depression can last into adulthood and interfere with personal and professional lives.

Bullies are affected too, even into adulthood; they may have difficulty forming positive relationships. They are more apt to use tobacco and alcohol, and to be abusive spouses. Some studies have even found a correlation with later criminal activities.
Warning Signs
Some signs of kid getting bullied:
•	Increased passivity
•	Frequent crying
•	Recurrent complaints of physical symptoms such as stomach-aches or headaches with no apparent cause
•	Unexplained bruises
•	Sudden drop in grades or other learning problems
•	Not wanting to go to school
•	Significant changes in social life — suddenly no one is calling or extending invitations
•	Sudden change in the way your child talks — calling herself a loser, or a former friend a jerk


At school:

Many schools have to programs to help kids getting bullied. Check with your local school district to see if it has such a program.

Schools and parents can work effectively behind the scenes to help a child meet and make new friends via study groups or science-lab partnerships. If you are concerned about your child:
•	Share with the teacher what your child has told you; describe any teasing or bullying you may have witnessed.
•	Ask the teacher if she sees similar behavior at school, and enlist her help in finding ways to solve the problem.
•	If she hasn't seen any instances of teasing, ask that she keep an eye out for the behavior you described.
•	If the teacher says your child is being teased, find out whether there are any things he may be doing in class to attract teasing. Ask how he responds to the teasing, and discuss helping him develop a more effective response.
•	After the initial conversation, be sure to make a follow-up appointment to discuss how things are going.