Anti - Bullying Week ~ 11th to 15th November

WHAT IS BULLYING?

Unfortunately, many children will experience or witness bullying during their school years: they may be the target of bullying, may be involved in bullying others, may stand by while others are being bullied, or may take positive action to stop bullying.

The person bullying may target aspects about what makes a person who they are - this could include disability, race, faith, gender, sex, sexuality, poverty, talent, appearance, hobbies, or situation at home.

WHAT BULLYING ISN'T

It's not ‘falling out’ It’s common for children to have arguments and friendship fall outs (often referred to as ‘relational conflict’) and they will need our guidance to resolve conflict, make amends, and move on.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance defines bullying as: The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online.

The Education Act 2002 Section 175 (UK) placed a legal duty on maintained schools and Local Authorities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The Government has also issued statutory guidance under s175 called Keeping children safe in education September 2016. Some incidents of bullying may also be a child protection issue. A bullying incident should be addressed as a child protection issue under the Children Act 1989 when there is ‘reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm. 

If you have any bullying concerns seek clinical advice and consider safeguarding.

For Victims of Bullying

Recognise Bullying Behaviour: Understand what bullying is. It can be verbal (name-calling, insults), physical (hitting, pushing), social (exclusion, rumours), or cyber (online harassment).

Stay Calm: Try to remain composed and avoid reacting emotionally. Bullies often thrive on emotional responses. Take deep breaths and count to ten if you feel overwhelmed.

Avoid Isolation: Stay close to friends or supportive peers, as bullies are less likely to target individuals who are with others. Having allies can provide safety and support.

Seek Help from Authority Figures: Report the bullying to a teacher, school counsellor, or HR representative if it's in the workplace. Provide them with the documentation you've collected.

Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that boost your self-esteem and well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, or mindfulness practices. Take time for yourself to recharge.

Explore Resources: Look for local or online resources that provide information on bullying. Organizations may offer support hotlines or workshops on coping strategies.

Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with anti-bullying policies in your school or workplace. Understanding your rights can empower you to take appropriate action.

For Bystanders (Witnesses)

Don’t Ignore It: If you see someone being bullied, don’t pretend you didn’t see or hear it. Acknowledging the situation is the first step to helping.

Support the Victim: Approach the person being bullied and let them know you are there for them. Offer words of encouragement and ask if they need assistance.

Speak Up: If it feels safe, intervene during the bullying by calling out the behaviour or redirecting the conversation. Your voice can help disrupt the cycle of bullying.

Report the Bullying: Encourage the victim to report the bullying, and offer to accompany them for support. If they are hesitant, consider reporting it yourself if appropriate.

Promote Inclusivity: Create a positive environment by being friendly and inclusive. Encourage others to join you in standing against bullying behaviour

Encourage Problem-Solving: Help children develop skills to handle conflicts, such as assertiveness, negotiation, and seeking help when needed.

Monitor Online Activity: If cyberbullying is a concern, supervise your child’s online interactions and educate them about online safety and the importance of privacy.

Engage with School Policies: Be aware of your child's school’s anti-bullying policies. Attend meetings or workshops to stay informed and advocate for necessary changes.

Be a Role Model: Demonstrate respectful behaviour and conflict resolution strategies in your interactions. Children learn from observing the adults in their lives.

For Schools and Organizations

Implement Anti-Bullying Policies: Create clear policies against bullying that outline acceptable behaviour and the consequences for bullying actions.

Provide Training: Offer training for staff and students on recognizing, preventing, and responding to bullying. Include education on empathy and conflict resolution.

Create a Safe Environment: Foster a culture of respect and inclusivity. Encourage students and employees to speak out against bullying and support each other.

Offer Support Services: Provide access to counselling and support services for victims of bullying. Ensure there are safe channels for reporting bullying.

Engage Parents and the Community: Involve parents in anti-bullying efforts through workshops, informational sessions, and regular communication about policies and resources.

For schools and workplace: https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week-2024-choose-respect/odd-socks-day

Final Thoughts

• Empowerment: It’s essential for individuals affected by bullying to know that they are not alone and that help is available. Encouragement and support from peers, family, and authorities can make a significant difference.

• Promote Kindness: Cultivating a culture of kindness and respect within communities can help prevent bullying behaviour from developing in the first place.

By implementing these strategies and combining anti-bullying efforts with a focus on mental health, individuals and communities can work together to create a safer environment for everyone, reducing the incidence and impact of bullying.