Anti-Bullying Week: Signs Your Child May Be Being Bullied And How You Can Help

Anti-Bullying Week: Signs Your Child May Be Being Bullied And How You Can Help

Alamy

More than 90) have quit an activity they enjoy because of bullying, and almost half (49.5 amongst girls.

Commenting on the findings, Ross Hendry, Chair of the Anti-Bullying Alliance said: "We know that bullying can lead to children missing school, failing exams, dropping out of sport, avoiding extra-curricular activities and limiting their life choices. It's unacceptable that rather than celebrate their talent, they feel that they have to hide their gifts, purposely underachieve in crucial subjects and miss out on things they enjoy because of bullying.

"Government should take note. At a time when we need more young people to study maths and science at college and university, and to drive the future of our economy, they're actually cowering away from fear of being bullied."

To help support Anti-Bullying Week, you can make a donation at Uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AntiBullyingAlliance, show your support on Facebook at Facebook.com/antibullyingalliance or on Twitter @abaonline.

"Help for children and young people"

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* Remember bullying is not your fault. It is always wrong and you do not have to put up with it.

* Let someone know what is happening as soon as possible. Talk things through with a friend, your family, or your teachers.

* Do not do or say anything in response to the bully. Stay calm and remove yourself from the situation wherever possible. If it is happening through your phone or the internet, keep a copy of the messages or images but do not reply or respond.

* Keep a note or a diary of what is happening.

* Be confident - you have done nothing to deserve this.

* Be assertive.You could say: 'This is not funny. This is bullying. This is wrong.'

* Think who can help you - young people or adults.

* Seek help from other young people, e.g. your school might have a peer mentor or buddy scheme.

* Say to someone, 'please would you watch what is happening here' and ask them to help you report the incident.

Sometimes it can help to talk to someone outside of the situation.

You could call Childline on 0800 11 11

"Help for Parents"

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If you think your child is being bullied, don't panic - try to keep an open mind

Your key role is listening, calming and providing reassurance that the situation can get better when action is taken. Provide a quiet, calm place where they can talk about what is happening.

Listen and reassure them that coming to you was the right thing to do

It may not be easy for a child to talk about being bullied so it is important to try to find out how they are feeling, what has happened, when and where. Though at this stage it is not so much about establishing a set of facts as encouraging, talking and listening.

Assure them that the bullying is not their fault and that you are there to support them: remind them that they can also have the support of family and friends.

Find out what the child or young person wants to happen

Help them to identify the choices available to them and the potential next steps to take, and theskills they may have to help solve the problems.

Discuss the situation with your child's school

The law requires all schools to have a behaviour policy which sets out the measures that will be taken to encourage good behaviour and respect for others and to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils. Parents can get advice and support from the Family Lives Parentline.

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