The educational clues are often the most difficult to figure out. It might be a few weeks, or in some cases a few months, before you find out that your child's grades have dropped or that there has been a change in your child's behavior in the classroom. If your child is exhibiting any of the physical or psychological clues of being bullied, it might be a good idea to initiate contact with your child's teacher to receive some instant feedback.

• Loss of interest in school work, refuses to participate in class, or has grades that dropped for no apparent reason

• Chronically late for school or for class

• Lack of motivation

• Teacher reports your child is distracted or antsy in class

• Feigning illness to avoid going to school

• May want to drop out of activities and events once enjoyed

• May want to stay close to teachers and avoid his peers

• May want to change his routes to and from school or class or beg to be driven to school to avoid the bus

If you see some of these signs and symptoms of bullying, act quickly. Find out what is happening in your child's life and take action. Waiting will not improve the situation.