How to Recognize the Signs of Bullying and How Therapy Can Help

Bullying doesn’t always look the way we expect. It isn’t always obvious name-calling or physical harm and many children and teens struggle in silence long before an adult notices something is wrong.

At Layers Counseling Specialists in Plano, Texas, we support children, adolescents, and families impacted by bullying, peer conflict, and the emotional aftermath that often follows. Early recognition and the right support can make a powerful difference.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying is repeated, intentional behavior meant to cause harm or create a power imbalance. It can happen in person, online, or through social dynamics that isolate or humiliate a child.

Common forms of bullying include:

• Verbal bullying (teasing, threats, insults)
• Social or relational bullying (exclusion, rumors, manipulation)
• Physical bullying (hitting, pushing, damaging belongings)
• Cyberbullying (harassment through texts, social media, or gaming platforms)

According to StopBullying.gov, bullying can significantly impact a child’s mental health, academic performance, and sense of safety especially when it goes unaddressed.

Signs a Child or Teen May Be Experiencing Bullying

Many children don’t tell adults they’re being bullied. Instead, the stress shows up through changes in behavior, mood, or physical symptoms.

Some common warning signs include:

Emotional & Behavioral Signs

• Sudden anxiety, sadness, or irritability
• Withdrawal from friends or family
• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Increased emotional outbursts or shutdowns
• Low self-esteem or negative self-talk

School-Related Signs

• Avoiding school or asking to stay home
• Frequent complaints of stomachaches or headaches
• Drop in grades or school engagement
• Changes in sleep or appetite

Trauma-Related Responses

• Hypervigilance or being “on edge”
• Trouble trusting peers or adults
• Emotional numbness or dissociation
• Signs of depression, anxiety, or panic

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that children who experience bullying are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms, especially when bullying is chronic or combined with other stressors.

Why Bullying Can Be Traumatic

Bullying isn’t “just a phase.” Repeated experiences of humiliation, exclusion, or fear can impact a child’s nervous system and sense of safety.

Over time, bullying can lead to:

• Chronic anxiety or depression
• Trauma responses (fight, flight, freeze, shutdown)
• Difficulty forming friendships
• Fear of social situations
• Long-term impacts on identity and confidence

For some children, bullying becomes a form of relational trauma - especially when it happens during key developmental years.

How Therapy Helps Children Impacted by Bullying

Therapy provides a safe, supportive space where children and teens can process what they’ve experienced, without pressure or judgment.

In therapy, children can:

• Make sense of confusing or painful experiences
• Learn coping skills for anxiety and emotional overwhelm
• Rebuild confidence and self-worth
• Practice healthy boundaries and communication
• Develop tools to feel safe and grounded again

Trauma-informed therapy helps children understand that bullying was not their fault and that their reactions make sense given what they went through.

The Role of Play & Expressive Therapy

Many children don’t have the words to explain bullying, especially when it involves shame, fear, or social rejection.

Through play therapy and expressive approaches, children can:

• Process emotions safely and creatively
• Reclaim a sense of control and agency
• Explore social experiences at their own pace
• Learn regulation skills through the body, not just words

These approaches are especially helpful for younger children and for kids who shut down or become overwhelmed when asked to talk directly.

Supporting Parents & Caregivers

Bullying affects the entire family. Parents often feel helpless, angry, or unsure how to respond, especially when school systems feel slow or complicated.

Therapy can support parents by helping them:

• Understand trauma-based behaviors
• Respond with empathy instead of fear or frustration
• Advocate for their child effectively
• Strengthen attachment and emotional safety at home

Helpful external resources for parents include:

• StopBullying.gov (parent guides & school resources)
• PACER Center (bullying prevention & advocacy)
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network

When to Seek Therapy for Bullying

You may want to seek professional support if your child:

• Shows ongoing emotional distress related to peers
• Avoids school or social situations
• Experiences anxiety, panic, or mood changes
• Has difficulty trusting others after bullying
• Has been bullied repeatedly or over a long period

Early intervention can reduce long-term mental health impacts and help children rebuild confidence and connection.

Therapy for Children Experiencing Bullying in Plano, Texas

At Layers Counseling Specialists in Plano, TX, our therapists work with children, teens, and families navigating the emotional impact of bullying, peer conflict, and trauma.

We offer:

• Trauma-informed child and adolescent therapy
• Play therapy and expressive approaches
• Attachment-focused support
• Parent collaboration and guidance
• Neurodiversity-affirming child and adolescent therapy. 

If your child is struggling due to bullying, you don’t have to handle this alone. Reach out today to learn how therapy can help your child feel safe, confident, and supported again.