Final answer:
Parents can realize their child is being bullied by noticing declines in school performance, disrupted eating and sleeping patterns, and other stress-related symptoms. It is important to pay attention to children's behavior changes and maintain open communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option is 2:
Declining school grades and changes in sleeping and eating. Option 1 is incorrect because not all children who are bullied tell their parents. Option 3, which includes spending more time with friends and away from home, can sometimes be a sign of normal teen behavior rather than an indication of bullying.
It is important to note that children who are emotionally reactive or different in some way, such as being overweight, cognitively impaired, or from a different racial or ethnic background, may be at a higher risk of getting bullied. Additionally, reports indicate that a significant portion of students experience bullying and cyberbullying, highlighting the importance of vigilance on the part of parents and educators. Parents should look for unexplained injuries, lost possessions, frequent headaches or stomach aches, changes in eating habits, difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares, declining grades, avoidance of social situations, and feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem in their children.
These indicators, especially when observed together or over a prolonged period, can suggest that a child is experiencing bullying. Parents are encouraged to communicate regularly with their children and to seek professional help if they suspect bullying is occurring.