Neurologist Dr KK Jindal lists key signs of bullying and steps for parents

Warning Signs

Bullying hurts a child's mental health because a young brain is still developing and ongoing stress interferes with sleep, memory, concentration, and emotion control. Neurologist Dr KK Jindal notes that emotional distress can also show up through physical symptoms. Warning signs include a child suddenly pulling away from family and friends, becoming more irritable, seeming afraid all the time, or losing interest in hobbies they once enjoyed.

What Parents Can Do

Parents should watch for a pattern of changes rather than a single difficult week and avoid dismissing it as just a phase. When talking to the child, pick a quiet moment, ask open questions, let them speak without interruption, and reassure them that bullying is never their fault. Keep a note of what happens and work with teachers to make the school environment safer, while avoiding direct contact with the other child or their parents to prevent making things worse.

Context

Steady home routines like regular meals, good sleep, physical activity, and family time provide much-needed stability. However, if daily life is affected or if severe symptoms like headaches, seizures, fainting spells, or talk of self-harm occur, professional help and neurological evaluation must be sought immediately.