Back to school means back to bullying for many: Here’s what to know

Be on the lookout for changes in eating habits, such as suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they didn't eat lunch from stress or social pressure.

If a previously studious, interested student starts showing loss of interest in schoolwork or stops wanting to go to school, or if their grades begin declining noticeably, that could be a sign of bullying. Loss of focus is a common result of worry or anxiety.

Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide should always be taken seriously. Even if the underlying cause is something other than bullying, if you notice these signs seek help. If someone is thinking of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline online or at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

This may be one of the more difficult indicators to notice since it's more internal, but if your child is showing a drop in self esteem or feelings of helplessness in what they say or how they act, it could be a sign that something — or someone — is troubling them.

Frequent headaches or stomach aches are be one of the body's ways of exhibiting unusual amounts of stress. Also, frequently feeling sick (or faking sickness) to avoid going to school or social situations is another signal that something is wrong.

If your child comes home with unexplained injuries, scrapes or bruises, it could be due to bullying.

There are many different forms of bullying, from verbal to social to physical to a mix of each. Items like books, electronics, jewelry, or clothing that go mysteriously missing — or are damaged or destroyed — are an indicator that something is going on.

Like illness or stomach aches, difficulty sleeping and/or persistent nightmares is a clue that something has shifted in the victim's life and should be addressed.

Another common marker of bullying is the victim suddenly spending much more time alone. Avoiding social events like games or turning down opportunities to hang out with friends when those weren't behaviors before is a clue that it's time to talk.

There are many reasons why a child might not tell an adult they're being bullied — feelings of helplessness and isolation, fear of backlash, not wanting to feel helpless or rejected by their peers. If you can, first talk to the child. If they're being bullied in school, reach out to a teacher, or the principal or school counselor. A local counselor or mental health services can also be contacted if someone is acting differently than normal, like always seeming sad or anxious or unable to complete standard tasks. If there is immediate risk of harm, call 911.

If your child's friends seem to be bullying people, your child might be doing so as well.

Just how suddenly having lost or destroyed possessions can be an indication your child is being bullied, your child having more money or things can mean they acquired it through bullying.

This can include blaming others for their problems, but not being willing to take responsibility for their actions is another sign of bullying.

It's normal to think about how others perceive you, but being overly competitive and worrying about their reputation or popularity can be another sign of bullying.