Identifying when a child is being bullied can be difficult, as they are usually reluctant to talk about it.

A child's behaviour will often indicate if something is wrong, and it could be because of a bully. With social media being accessible 24/7 abuse can be received outside of school hours a lot easier, so spotting the signs can be more difficult.

Before social media children may:

• Be frightened of walking to and from school

• Ask to be driven into school

• Unexplained bruises or cuts

• Come home with missing or destroyed belongings.

Now with social media, the abuse can be more mental than physical, as it takes place through a screen.

• Refusal to talk about what's wrong

• Attempt or threaten suicide

• Become distressed, anxious or withdrawn

• Become aggressive and unreasonable

Quite often, bullies that are causing problems at school, will look to social media to continue on the abuse outside of school hours. Due to the 24/7 access of social media, this means that messages will often be viewed by the victim at home, which should be a safe place for them.

• Bullying on social media

• What is a cyber bully?

• Spotting the signs of bullying

• How does Observer work?