Question:

Hi, I have a seven year old son who has always been mildly anxious but in the last few weeks because of a few of his friends turning on him and bullying him, he has withdrawn and decided he now hates school (especially lunch-time) He says he just wanders around the school yard and dosent feel like playing with anyone. He needs constant reassurance that we are always with him and is always in fear of the unknown. Do you have any suggestions about how we can help him? anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks heaps.

Answer:

Sounds like your child may have an anxiety problem specifically related to his bullying at school. I would talk to school administrators to reassure your child’s safety, then work with your child quickly to get him back in school as soon as possible.

For more information:

Go to the Anxiety and Stress Disorders (Children) health topic.