Definition of Bullying
Bath and North East Somerset has adopted the definition of bullying from the Anti-bullying Alliance which is:
“The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person by another(s), where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be carried out physically, verbally, emotionally or through cyberspace.”
Bullying includes any number of repetitive behaviours where the perpetrator or perpetrators intend to cause harm – these could include name calling; making offensive comments; hitting, kicking and shoving; stealing or harming belongings; graffiti; coercion; spreading harmful messages through gossip: sending or spreading harmful messages and images via mobile phones and the internet; excluding or isolating someone from the peer group.
Research confirms the destructive effects of bullying on young people’s lives. Although some can shrug it off, bullying can produce feelings of powerlessness, isolation from others, undermine self-esteem and sometimes convince the victims that they are at fault. It can affect attitudes to and performance in school. For some, it can lead to serious and prolonged distress and long-term damage to social and emotional development.
Every school is likely to have some problem with bullying at one time or another. Schools must by law have an anti-bullying policy, and use it to reduce and prevent bullying.
Information for parents and families
Parents and families have an important part to play in helping schools deal with bullying.
· Discourage your child from using bullying behaviour at home or elsewhere. Show how to resolve difficult situations without using violence or aggression.
· Ask to see the school’s anti-bullying policy. Each school must have an anti-bullying policy which sets out how it deals with incidents of bullying.
· Watch out for signs that your child is being bullied, or is bullying others. Parents and families are often the first to detect symptoms of bullying. It can be helpful to ask questions about progress and friends at school; how break times and lunchtimes are spent; and whether your child is facing problems or difficulties at school.
· Don't dismiss negative signs. Contact the school immediately if you are worried.
If your child has been bullied:
· calmly talk to your child about it
· make a note of what your child says - particularly who was said to be involved; how often the bullying has occurred; where it happened and what has happened
· reassure your child that telling you about the bullying was the right thing to do
· explain that any further incidents should be reported to a teacher immediately
· make an appointment to see your child's class teacher or form tutor
· explain to the teacher the problems your child is experiencing
Talking to teachers about bullying:
· try and stay calm - bear in mind that the teacher may have no idea that your child is being bullied or may have heard conflicting accounts of an incident
· be as specific as possible about what your child says has happened - give dates, places and names of other children involved
· make a note of what action the school intends to take
· ask if there is anything you can do to help your child or the school
· stay in touch with the school - let them know if things improve as well as if problems continue
If you need further information, advice or support, contact your child's school.