Does this sound like your child?
Bullying and school stress can affect kids in very different ways. Some children feel hurt, anxious, or shut down when they are bullied. Others act out their own stress through bullying behaviors. Both need support, not shame.
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Kids and teens experiencing bullying often struggle with:
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Refusing or dreading school
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Frequent stomachaches, headaches, or sleep problems
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Withdrawal from friends or activities
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Sudden drops in grades or motivation
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Tearfulness, sadness, or loss of confidence
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Kids and teens who bully may struggle with:
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Explosive anger and emotional outbursts
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Difficulty with empathy or perspective-taking
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Trouble following rules at school or home
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Seeking control or power in relationships
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Low self-esteem hidden behind “tough” behavior
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Stress from problems at home or school that comes out on others
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These challenges aren’t about “bad kids” or “weak kids.” They are rooted in how children’s brains and bodies respond to stress, safety, and relationships.
At PlayWorks, We Help Kids and Teens With Bullying & School Stress Thrive
Children who bully often carry their own stress or pain underneath. Therapy helps them learn empathy, self-control, and healthier ways to connect.
At PlayWorks, therapy is tailored to each child’s needs, whether they’ve been the target of bullying, are engaging in bullying behaviors, or are overwhelmed by school stress.
Through play therapy, we give children the tools to heal, connect, and grow.
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Build emotional regulation and resilience
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Practice empathy and perspective-taking
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Learn healthy ways to handle anger, stress, and frustration
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Rebuild confidence and self-esteem after being bullied
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Develop problem-solving and assertiveness skills
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Strengthen peer and family relationships
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No long lectures. No judgment. Just real tools for real kids!
Play therapy helps children improve social skills, reduce anxiety, and strengthen empathy, all of which are protective factors that reduce both bullying behavior and the effects of being bullied.
– Supported by research on play therapy and child social-emotional development (Bratton et al., 2005; Lin & Bratton, 2015)
Why is Play Based Therapy So Effective for Bullying & School Stress?
Bullying (whether being targeted or engaging in it) activates the brain’s stress response. Play therapy helps calm the nervous system and strengthen pathways for empathy, resilience, and problem-solving.
Because play is the language of children. In play, kids can safely explore power, control, fairness, and belonging (big themes that show up in bullying and school stress).
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Play therapy strengthens the same brain regions that support emotional regulation, empathy, and problem-solving (including the prefrontal cortex and limbic system).
Over time, kids develop skills like:
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Managing stress and calming their nervous system
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Thinking through choices before acting
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Practicing empathy and compassion for others
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Strengthening friendships and healthy boundaries
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Processing grief, shame, or fear in a safe way
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Building pride in who they are without putting others down​​​
Why Wilmington Parents Choose PlayWorks
for Bullying Support
We’re neuroscience-informed
Our therapists use the latest brain research to guide interventions that truly work for kids under stress.
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We make therapy playful and effective
From art and storytelling to video games and sand tray, every session is tailored to your child’s needs so they feel safe and engaged.
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We support YOU too
We provide parent check-ins, progress updates, and practical tools you can use at home to support your child’s growth.
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We honor the whole child
We don’t just target “bad behavior” or “symptoms.” We support resilience, empathy, and emotional growth that lasts a lifetime.
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We’re inclusive and affirming
Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+ affirming care, and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. Every child and family belongs here.
You’re Not Alone & It’s Not Too Late
We know that bullying and school stress can leave families feeling exhausted, worried, or even ashamed. We also know that therapy can feel like one more thing on your plate. At PlayWorks, therapy is child-first, family-focused, and actually fun. Plus, it works.
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Together, we'll help your child build confidence, calm, and the skills to thrive at home, school, and in life.
We’re located in Wilmington, NC and work with children, teens, and families across the Cape Fear region. Schedule your free 20-minute parent consult or start the intake process here.