Physical signs that your child is bullying

Using physical strength/physical presence to intimidate, influence and impress other kids – this might be friends or younger brothers and sisters. For example, putting them in head and arm locks. This behaviour is more common in boys than girls. Children and young people, particularly boys, often play-fight and it is a mistake to assume that such behaviour is always evidence of bullying. However, be aware of body language and roles in these situations. Look to see if your child uses physical strength to humiliate other children or make them feel weak or powerless or if he/she is consistently picking on one or more other children, particularly if the body language of those children indicates that they are unhappy or scared and want the play-fight to stop. If this is the case, then it is likely that what is going on is bullying and you need to stop it and discourage your child from behaving in this way in future.