Is your child being bullied? Bullying and cyber bullying can happen to any child anywhere that children meet, whether at the school, the playground or online. While research indicates that shy, depressed, obese, minority, gay, lesbian and special-needs kids experience a higher likelihood of being bullied, it's important not to lapse into a false sense of security if your child doesn't fit that profile. "It’s incumbent on parents and adults to engage all kids in these discussions, because it touches almost every child in some way,” says Dr. Limber.

Explain what bullying is to your child and ask them if they've ever witnessed or experienced it. Understand, however, that the majority of children don't tell parents or adults about bullying. According to Stop Bullying Now, a national campaign from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the following signs might indicate that your child is being bullied:

• He is moody or sad when he comes home and afraid of going to school or gathering with other children;
• Pieces of his clothing or other belongings are torn or missing;
• He has unexplained bruises, cuts or scratches;
• He seems anxious or insecure.

Help your child by learning how to prevent and stop bullying. Also, recognize the signs that your child might be bullying others.

Is your child a bully? Over the last decade, research has revealed that bullies and cyber bullies can be quite different from the stereotypical bruiser/loner. "We do know from research that many kids who bully have a pretty impressive support network of friends, which perpetuates the bullying," says Dr. Limber. Unlike traditional bullies, cyber bullies are more often girls than boys. There are also unpopular bully-victims, who bully others after they themselves have been abused. "It's dangerous to say that bullies are only one type of child, because it can happen to anybody," adds Dr. Limber. That said, Stop Bullying Now identifies the following attributes as common among bullies:

• Dominating, impulsive and easily frustrated;
• Inconsiderate of rules or others' feelings;
• Violent or physically stronger than other children;
• Raised by uninvolved, lax or overly harsh parents;
• Involved in fights, crime, smoking, drinking or skipping school.

Help your child by learning how to prevent and stop bullying.