Bullying
Bullying
Bullying among children isn’t always easy to define or to identify. Bullies can be very cunning and expert at getting away with it. Parents and Carers have to be alert to the possibility of bullying and must always take action if they think their own or other children are being bullied.
Bullying includes:
- Name calling
- Making things up to get others into trouble
- Hitting, pinching, biting, pushing and shoving
- Stealing others belongings/money
- Damaging others belongings
- Taking friends away to make someone feel excluded
- Spreading rumours on Social networking sites (Cyberbullying)
- Threats and intimidation
- Making silent or abusive phone calls
Symptoms of Bullying which you may notice:
Bed wetting, Bite marks, Bruises, Eating disorders, Eczema, Headaches, Insomnia.
Pencil jab marks, Reluctance to attend school, Self harm, Scratches, Stress.
Truancy, Tummy aches, Vomiting.
What You Can Do If you suspect that your child may be being bullied:
- Talk to your child – ask them how they are – if there is anything worrying them.
- If they report an incident – write it down.
- Has this happened before?
- It is very important they know that it is not their fault.
- If it happened at school – tell your child’s teacher.
- Keep a record.
- Encourage your child to tell someone straight away.
If you believe your child is being bullied at school, it is very important to keep school informed of any incidents so that they can deal with the situation effectively. If, after speaking to your child’s teacher and allowing time for actions to be taken, you are not satisfied with the way the matter was dealt with, contact the head teacher and arrange a meeting. The head teacher should investigate the matterand action should be taken. However, if after speaking with the HeadTeacher you are still not satisfied with the outcome and you still feel your child is being bullied, your next action should be to contact the chair of governors and ask them to investigate.
Parents/Carers Responsibilities
As well as making sure school are alerted to any concerns you may have, you should also be actively discouraging your child from participating in any behaviour which could be construed as bullying behaviour.
Responsibilities of the School
Make time for parents.
Have an up-to-date anti-bullying policy which parents can see.
Keep accurate and up to date records.
Develop strategies to promote a positive ethos.
Further Information, resources and Advises
- Anti-Bullying Alliance
- Bullying UK
- Kidscape - advice for parents and carers