The school is an exciting or frightening place depending on your pupil’s experience. It is a place where the he can learn about new subjects, meet new friends and learn how to interact with other children. Unfortunately  for some, it is also a terrifying place. For a pupil who is bullied, it becomes a place where it can change his personality from a bright  to withdrawn pupil. Some pupils  are afraid to tell their parents or teacher that they are being bullied, until it becomes too late.

         So how can a  teacher tell if his  pupil is being bullied? What are the  signs and how  to  identify them?

• Check if there  are  great  changes  in your pupil’s  attitude. If a naturally friendly and cheerful  pupil starts withdrawing from his classmates around him,this is a  sign that he might be going through a painful experience . There is a great  chance that he  might not open up, so you must assure him  that there is nothing to be afraid off and he can open up to you.

• Is he  a quarrelsome pupil ? Is he getting angry  with his classmates in just only simple matters ? Does he display anger and frustration ? Anger and frustration are two emotions that are difficult to deal with. Some pupils have difficulties in coping with their emotions.Sometimes, they can draw pictures or use toys as objects to take out their frustration on. This could be a possible  sign to watch out for.So when checking their artsworks , be a keen observer . Give your pupils opportunity to tell something about their work.

• Is he sleepy during your class and losing weight ? It might be due to  lack of sleep and lose of appetite .Losing appetite and lack of sleep are two signs that  he  might be experiencing something painful. Bullying can cause  pressure and stress , thus he can lose his appetite or have difficulty trying to get some sleep.
• Poor attendance in your class. Some pupils pretend getting ill and refuse to go to school. And in some cases, they  really get physically sick. Pick up your things and conduct a home visitation.

• The more obvious signs of bullying are physical signs. Examples are bruises on his body or even missing items from his school supplies. When  classmates  recognize  this sign and tell you, ignore not for your pupil might  be in trouble.

            As a teacher, you have a great role in helping your pupil. Be a  keen observer. Upon  identifying the signs , make  a  move to help him. Have a one -on -one or heart-to- heart talk. Win his trust so that he will confess. Assure him that you can help him out of the trouble. Gather information   as to the cause of the problem  and help him before its too late. Talk to his parents.

            Bullying comes in different forms and not limited to something physical. Still, it is a very painful experience for the “bullied” one and might lead to something life threatening. Parents of the “bully” and “bullied must both take action to prevent such experience from ever happening. Constant communication plays a very important role to prevent bullying before it happens.

By: Jay Pee M. Gollayan | Teacher-1 | Ipag Elementary School Mariveles