Introduction
Bullying is a frightening experience. It can isolate a child and damage self-confidence. Ongoing bullying can have negative long-term effects on children, leading to depression and even suicidal thoughts and actions.
School days are a time when the influence of other children is very important and fitting in is seen as essential. If children are thought of as different for any reason, they can be picked on and bullied. Sadly, we still live in a society in which to be different in any way can mean ridicule and bullying. This is often copied from parents and this ensures that prejudice will continue into the next generation. It is crucial to be alert to the possibility of bullying and to make sure you know the telltale signs.
You may think that your child is unlikely to be bullied but the reality is that bullying can happen at any time and to any child.
Bullies who continually harm other children need support and help as well. They may have experienced difficulties of their own at home, which may have led to their actions. Reporting concerns may help them get the help they need as well.
If your child tells you about a friend or any other child who is being bullied, listen carefully and take this seriously. That child may not be able to say for themselves what is happening.
Today all schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy. However, school action alone cannot guarantee success and so it is important that parents and schools work together.
In summary
- Children have the right not to be hurt
- Bullying is the repeated abuse of a child by one or several people
- Bullying behaviour is unacceptable
- If bullying is happening outside of school, consider contacting the family of the child who is bullying and try to find a way to work together to sort it out
- Bullying can happen to any child at any age
- Bullying can happen anywhere but most commonly it happens in school
- Bullying can take on many forms, from verbal abuse to physical attack
- Act immediately if you think your child is being bullied
- Running away, non-attendance at school, other learning and behavioural difficulties for no obvious reason and unexplained injuries may be possible warning signs
- Children need ways to protect themselves and seek help
- Tell them to refuse to put up with bullying and tell an adult or friend and avoid fighting
- Advise your child to run, yell and tell
- Talk to your child about their school day
- Teach your child to respect others from a young age
- Teach your child that prejudice and bullying is unacceptable
- All schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy. However, school action alone cannot guarantee success, so it is important that parents and schools work together and on some occasions, the police will need to be advised
If you are concerned about bullying at your child's school in South Gloucestershire please contact the Education Welfare Department on 01454 863377.
For further information and advice see the 'Other websites' section on this page.
Helpline telephone numbers
Anti-Bullying Campaign: 020 7378 1446
Charterhouse: 020 7403 4367
South Gloucestershire's Education Welfare: 01454 863377
Kidscape: 020 7703 3300