YOU & CO BULLYING WORKSHOP 2016 #ANTIBULLYINGWEEK

WHO ARE YOU & CO? You & Co is Victim Support’s youth programme that helps young people cope with the impact and effects of crime. You do not have to report the crime to the police to get support from us.

SESSION GUIDELINES Respect others and their views Listen Do not judge others Join in when you can Confidentiality – for you, teachers and me Take time out if you need it Put mobile phones away

TODAY WE WILL TALK ABOUT … What is bullying? How does bullying affect others? What can you do about it?

WHAT IS BULLYING? Bullying is when someone does something on purpose to you that hurts or upsets you. Bullying is still bullying even if it happens behind your back, if it is not physical or if it's done by one person or a group. Bullying may be: –physical (hitting you) –emotional (spreading hurtful rumours) –verbal (calling you names) –bullying within your social group (leaving you out of things) Remember – Bullying is never your fault

AGREE OR DISAGREE? Bullying is a crime If you see somebody else getting bullied, it’s best not to get involved Bullying is just a part of everyday school life that people should accept Lots of people use the word ‘gay’ randomly at school, like ‘you are so gay’. This is not bullying. Being bullied online is not as bad as being bullied in person – you can turn off the computer

AGREE OR DISAGREE? Bullying is a crime Bullying itself isn’t a crime, but many of the things that bullies do, or the ways they try to bully people, are against the law. These include assault, harassment or threatening behaviour and theft. If you see somebody else getting bullied, it’s best not to get involved It can depend on the situation. Do not put yourself in an unsafe situation, but you can ask if the person being bullied is OK and talk to a teacher or another trusted adult.

Bullying is just a part of everyday school life that people should accept No one should expect to be bullied. Every school has an anti- bullying policy to prevent and tackle bullying. Lots of people use the word ‘gay’ randomly at school, like ‘you are so gay’. This is not bullying. Homophobic language is a form of bullying. It can be very upsetting and can lead to more homophobic bullying. Being bullied online is not as bad as being bullied in person – you can turn off the computer Because it happens on the internet, cyber bullying can be 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there is no escape. It is often anonymous so it can feel even more scary.

WHY DO PEOPLE BULLY? There is never an excuse to bully, but we know some people do it because they are being hurt themselves. It could be that: Things are going wrong in their own lives They are being hurt by somebody else They want or need to feel important or popular People who bully can also get help – speak to somebody about why you feel the way you do

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Tell the bully to stop, if it won’t make it worse Walk away – this is very powerful Don’t fight back - it could make it worse or you could get hurt Talk to an adult you trust – they can help you to plan to keep safe Remember - if you see someone being bullied ask them if they are ok, and talk to a trusted adult

THINK OF THE ADULTS YOU KNOW Who can help you when you don’t feel safe? Who can you talk to about how you are feeling?

WHO IS YOUR TRUSTED ADULT?

WHERE ARE YOUR SAFE PLACES? school home a friend/family member’s house the park on public transport at the bus stop You may feel safe in different places at different times of the day. There may be places where you feel safe, and places where you don’t feel safe. These could include:

HOW CAN BEING BULLIED AFFECT YOUNG PEOPLE?

COPING STRATEGIES alcohol or drug misuse drinking too much coffee or too many energy drinks smoking not eating or overeating being aggressive or violent kicking or throwing things biting nails hurting ourselves hurting others becoming quiet and not talking to friends shouting What can we do instead? What are negative coping strategies?

WHO CAN HELP ME? You can speak to any teacher, who will be happy to help. Please find someone to talk to if you need it, don’t bottle up any feelings. You & Co: or (VS Supportline) Childline: or www.childline.org.uk The Mix: or www.themix.org.uk

THANK YOU FOR TAKING PART Any questions?