Children often do not disclose bullying directly. Signs to watch for include reluctance to go to school, changes in mood or behavior after school or time on devices, loss of interest in friendships or activities, unexplained physical complaints, declining grades, changes in sleep or appetite, and secrecy or distress around their phone or social media. If you notice any of these signs, creating an open, low-pressure conversation — and potentially consulting a therapist — can be an important first step.

Yes. Therapy does not require the bullying to have stopped in order to be helpful. In fact, ongoing therapeutic support during an active bullying situation can be especially important, providing your child with coping tools, emotional processing, and a consistent safe space. Therapy can also help your child and family navigate conversations with school staff and other adults involved in addressing the situation.

Yes. Children and teens who engage in bullying behavior often have their own underlying struggles — including difficulty with empathy, peer influence, unmet needs for power or belonging, or unaddressed emotional pain. Therapy can help young people who bully understand the impact of their behavior, develop healthier ways to meet their social and emotional needs, and build the empathy and relationship skills needed to change their patterns. This is often a deeply important intervention.

Cyberbullying refers to bullying that occurs through digital platforms — including social media, text messages, gaming platforms, and online forums. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can follow a child home and continue around the clock, often involves anonymous perpetrators, and can spread humiliating content to a wide audience very quickly. The persistent, public nature of cyberbullying can make it particularly damaging to a young person's mental health and sense of safety.

In most cases, yes — particularly if bullying is occurring on school grounds or in school-related settings. Schools have legal and ethical responsibilities to address bullying, and most have formal protocols in place. Your child's therapist can help you think through how to approach these conversations and, if appropriate, can coordinate with school personnel to ensure your child's needs are being addressed both therapeutically and in their school environment.

Recovery from bullying varies depending on the severity and duration of the bullying, the child's existing resilience and support systems, and whether the bullying has stopped. Many children begin to feel meaningfully better — in terms of mood, confidence, and school engagement — within a few months of consistent therapeutic support. Others may need longer-term care, particularly if bullying has contributed to depression, anxiety, or trauma responses. Your child's therapist will work with your family to set realistic expectations and monitor progress throughout.