Spotting Signs Of Bullying In Children And How Martial Arts Can Make A Difference

Your child might be getting bullied if their lunch money often ends up missing, their clothes are torn, or they’re starting to come up with creative lists of excuses to skip school. Bullying is never just a “kids will be kids” issue; it can leave lasting scars that stay with a child throughout their lives.

Learning how to spot the signs of bullying is half the battle for parents. The other half is finding solutions that empower your child so they know what to do the next time a bully targets them.

This article breaks down how to spot the subtle signs of bullying and explains why children should learn martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, or Wrestling to build confidence and gain the tools that make bullies think twice.

Spotting The Red Flags

Singapore has the third-highest bullying rates worldwide, with 25% of primary school students reporting being targeted by bullies. That’s a sharp contrast to Singapore’s low crime rates, which made it the safest country in the world in 2022.

Children rarely walk up to their parents to inform them they’re getting bullied, so it’s up to parents to be on the lookout for odd changes in their behavior, such as:

1) The Disappearing Lunch Money Act

A child routinely losing their lunch money or belongings is a major red flag that they’re getting bullied. Bullies often steal or damage their victims’ property as a power move.

Your child losing their items once isn’t a major cause for concern, but if it keeps happening, there’s probably more to the story. Ask open-ended questions like, “Did someone take this?” instead of “Did you lose it again?” to nudge them to open up. Sometimes, it just takes small questions or gentle probing to find out what’s really going on or if they’re just being careless.

2) Mood Swings That Rival Singapore’s Weather

Mood swings can potentially be another sign that your child is getting bullied. One minute they’re fine, and they’re slamming doors the next. A child exhibiting unexplained anger, withdrawing from activities, or anxiety might be getting targeted by bullies.

Parents should create safe spaces for conversation by talking to children about their feelings during low-pressure activities, like cooking and or playing board games. Let your child know you won’t do anything without their consent.

Parents often instinctively want to chastise the bully themselves or make a scene at school, which can make things worse. It’s important to let children who are being bullied know you won’t embarrass them under any circumstances. They’re already getting embarrassed enough by their bully.

3) The Phantom Stomachache

A child coming up with every imaginable excuse to skip school can also be a sign they’re getting picked on. A child frequently claiming to have headaches, stomachaches, or sudden “illnesses” before school doesn’t mean they’re faking it. The stress caused by bullying can manifest physically.

The first thing you should do as a parent is to rule out any medical issues. Once that’s done, dig deeper into what’s going on.

4) Changes In Sleeping Patterns

Significant changes in a child’s sleeping patterns could be a sign of bullying-related anxiety. Nightmares, bedwetting, or insomnia are also signs of anxiety that could be caused by the ordeals bullies put them through at school.

5) The Mysterious Bruise Collection

Unexplained scratches or bruises that a child tries to hide from you are another red flag to look out for. Gently ask how they were injured instead of demanding answers. Children often hide such injuries out of fear and shame. They’re worried about you making a scene and making things worse.

6) Drop In Social Media Use

A child suddenly spending less time texting or chatting with peers online could be a sign of cyberbullying. Parents can use apps like Google Family Link to monitor their child’s activity online without invading their privacy.

Why School Interventions Aren’t Always Enough

Schools in Singapore take bullying seriously, and the Ministry of Education (MOE) requires all schools to have anti-bullying measures.

However, the reality is that teachers can’t catch every sneaky lunchtime shove or nasty Instagram DM. Studies show the most effective remedy for bullying is equipping children with the tools they need to stand up for themselves.

Martial arts training is arguably the most effective way for children to learn the verbal, mental, and physical tools they need to stand up for themselves.

How Martial Arts Helps Kids Fight Back Without Throwing A Punch

Our Little Warriors and Samurai children’s program at Evolve MMA is geared towards equipping kids with the skills they need to stand up to bullies and grow into competent adults. Some of the ways martial arts training helps protect children against bullies include:

1) Building Confidence That Doesn’t Come From A Trophy

Martial arts builds confidence through small wins—each technique learned helps a child feel stronger, making them less likely to be seen as an easy target by bullies.

The only way to learn martial arts is through incremental progress. Every technique a child learns makes them go, “Hey, I’m stronger than I thought.” This new understanding of their capabilities gives them a confidence boost that makes bullies think twice before targeting them. Bullies typically go for people they perceive as “easy” victims. A confident child doesn’t fit that mold.

2) Teaches Conflict Resolution 101: Walk Away Or Speak Up

Martial arts teaches kids to de-escalate conflicts first, using self-defense only as a last resort—with control, not violence.

Contrary to what you have seen in action movies, martial arts teach students to de-escalate potential conflicts. Students learn to stand up for themselves using their words and body language first. Self-defense should always be a last option when everything else has failed. Martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teach children how to control opponents without using strikes, giving kids a powerful tool to neutralize threats.

3) Provides Friends Who’ve Got Their Back

Martial arts builds trust and teamwork, helping bullied kids rebuild social skills, find their tribe, and become less vulnerable to bullies.

Martial arts training is a group activity. Kids participate in partner drills, learning to trust and support their peers. This camaraderie can help children who have been bullied to rebuild social skills as they find their “tribe” outside school. Their improved social skills will also help them to widen their friend circle in school, which protects them against bullies. Bullies typically pick on outcast kids who don’t have any friends to help them out.

4) Gets Children Off The Couch

Martial arts training lowers stress and anxiety while boosting mood and improving sleep through regular exercise.

Exercise reduces stress hormones like cortisol, and it lowers anxiety in bullied children. The exercise they get from training will elevate their mood, and it’ll also help with sleep.

5) The Art Of Standing Tall

Martial arts teaches kids to project confidence through eye contact and posture—making them less likely targets for bullies.

Bullies are experts at picking out fearful children. Martial arts training teaches children to project confidence through eye contact and their posture.

Build Your Child’s Confidence This School Holiday!

Bullying can be tough on children, so give them the tools they need to stand up taller, speak clearly, and handle any aggression a bully brings their way. The confidence that comes with martial arts training sends clear signals to bullies to stay away. That’s the best defense against bullies.

Recognized as Singapore’s top Kids’ Martial Arts Program, Evolve MMA’s Children’s Program delivers world-class training led by our team of award-winning World Champion instructors.

This exciting week-long camp offers your child an unforgettable experience packed with martial arts, fun, and personal growth. Each day is filled with dynamic lessons and activities designed to build not just physical strength, coordination, and flexibility—but also vital life skills like focus, discipline, respect, and confidence.

Reserve A Slot For Your Little One At The Evolve Kids Holiday Camp 2025 NOW!