Bullying

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. It can happen face to face or online.”

Bullying rates vary depending upon the age of the child, and location. The Government estimates that 17% of 10-15 year olds have been victims of bullying over the last 12 months. This equates to 2,687 children, aged between 10 and 15 years old within Tameside.

Bullying can take the following forms;

• Physical: behaviours such as hitting, pinching, pushing, etc.
• Verbal: name calling, spreading rumours, belittling etc.
• Emotional: isolating others, tormenting, humiliation etc.
• Sexual: homophobic abuse, inappropriate touching etc.
• Indirect: talking about others behind their back, isolating others etc.
• Online: sending nasty e-mails, sharing photos etc.

Signs to look out for a child is being bullied

Every child is different so there can be no definitive list of when a child is being bullied. It is important professionals look out for changes in behaviour.

Here are some common themes;

• Missing or broken belongings
• Injury without explanation
• Increase sick days or faking illness
• Loss of confidence
• Being nervous
• Feeling tired or irritable
• Keeping to themselves (more than usual), or becoming less social with peers.

For further information on the signs please visit https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/bullying-signs.html.

What to do if a child tells you they are being bullied

It is important for professionals dealing with a child being bullied to respond in accordance with the school/agency policy and the nature of the incidents and level of need. Therefore, professional judgement is important but there are some important principles to following.

• Listen and reassure them that coming to you was the right thing to do.
• Try and establish the facts.
• Assure them that the bullying is not their fault.
• Do not encourage retaliation.
• If you say that you are going to do something, ensure that you do.

Support for professionals

There are various websites that can support your work on bullying within your agency and there are online courses for people working with children and young people.

Here are some useful websites

Anti-bullying Alliance

This is one of the leading websites in the UK for resources around bullying.

https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/

Bullying.co.uk

Gives advice around bullying for different people; children, young people, parents/carers and professionals.

Childline

Provides general advice in relation to bullying.

https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/

Training: Online, TSCP and other sources

Anti-Bullying Alliance

Offers free training on a variety of bullying topics, which has CPD accredited training.

https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/