IS KUYA BEING BULLIED?

At first i thought it was just a normal situation. But when the incident repeated several times that's the time i was alarmed.
I normally check my children's bags to see if they still have school supplies like erasers, sharpened pencils, paper and complete set of crayons. It started during the 2nd semester where MJs "new pencils" were always missing. When I'm asking him about it, he would say that his classmate borrowed it. I let it passed believing that maybe his classmate just forgot to return it to him, so no big deal. Then, this story happened again...and again...and again. When i interrogated my son about the missing pencil, it turned out that he is referring only to his one classmate that keeps on borrowing and not returning his "new pencils" all throughout the semester. MJ also added that his classmate (i know his name but i opted not to mention on this blog) always wanted to borrow his new pencils particularly the one he's currently using and was threatening to call the attention of their teacher with a mocking gesture if he didn't give the pencil.
I told MJ that his classmate's behavior is unacceptable. I also told him that the next time it happens, talk to his teacher and let her know what the real situation is, especially when his classmate is already mocking at him.
Being a mother, i was so worried on this issue. I researched on the web on topics about child bullying and found this very informative article:

Is Your Child Being Bullied?

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:29:00 04/06/2008

Filed Under: Children
MANILA, Philippines - A child is being bullied if he/she:
•is frightened of going to school and is difficult to wake in the morning;
•doesn't want to ride the school bus;
•begs to be driven to school;
•becomes withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence;
•attempts or threatens suicide or runs away--this is a major red flag;
•cries him/herself to sleep at night or has nightmares;
•feels sick in the morning;
•has grades that begin to drop;
•comes home with clothes torn or books damaged;

•has possessions, like pens or pencils that end up "missing;"

•asks for money
or starts stealing money (to pay the bully);
•has unexplained cuts or bruises;
•comes home starving (money/lunch has been stolen);
•becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable;
•is bullying other children or siblings;
•stops eating;
•is frightened to say what's wrong;
•gives improbable excuses for any of the above.

Bullying is a serious matter. The effects can be serious and affect kids' sense of self-worth and future relationships. Based on the article above, my son's situation is a sign of a child being bullied. I plan to talk to his class adviser on Saturday, the school's schedule of giving of cards.