What is bullying? video clip

Types of bullying Physical (when someone pushes you, hits you or harms you in any way physically) Name calling (bullied by name calling regularly and it is hurtful) Social (leaving out, making plans and excluding others, etc.) Cyberbullying (being bullied online, via mobile phone or on social networks) Sexual (bullying includes unwanted sexual advances/comments, sexuality, spreading sexual rumours, sexting)

Cyberbullying  Talk to your child about who they're talking to online and encourage them to think before talking to people they don't know in person.  Try to understand and guide your child's online behaviour - negotiate and establish boundaries and discuss sensitively the issues around the concept of 'friends‘.  Familiarise yourself with the social networking sites and chat programmes your child uses. Find out more about its build-in safety functions and how they can be contacted within the service.

Bullying facts/stats? 69% of young people experience bullying before their 18th birthday. 60% of people bullied because of appearance 30% said that bullying has had a huge impact on their social lives 38% said that bullying has had a huge impact on their self esteem 25% young people have had suicidal thoughts because of bullying

How might they react? Unexplained tummy upset or headache Self-harm Feel depressed Suicidal thoughts/attempts of suicide Become either quiet or withdrawn Avoid social media or messenger Feel anxious about going to school Be very angry and be aggressive Bully others Develop an eating disorder Torn clothes and missing belongs

How we deal with bullying at Castle Hill.  Clear anti-bullying policy (on our website)  Circle time  PSHE  Assemblies  Visitors e.g. police  Friendship bench and buddies  Circle of friends  Social skills groups  Prefects  Anti-bullying week  ELSA  Zero tolerance approach to bullying of any form

How you can help your child if they are being bullied?  If your child is being bullied don’t panic. Explain to your child that the bullying is not their fault and together you will sort this out.  Bullying is never acceptable; and should always be taken seriously. It is never your child’s fault if they’ve been bullied.  Try and establish the facts. It can be helpful to keep a diary of events. If the bullying is online, save or copy images and text.  Ask your child if they know how to block someone who they don't want to talk to anymore. If they don't, help them learn how to use the blocking feature.

How you can help your child if they are being bullied?  Use parental control software provided by your internet service provider, mobile phone network, online content provider or games console, and consider using filtering options, monitoring and setting time limits for access to chat.  If you discover misconduct between your child and someone online stay calm, investigate the facts and seek expert help. If someone has acted inappropriately towards your child, or someone they know (such as sexual chat, or asking them to meet up) contact the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)

How you can help your child if they are being bullied?  Find out what your child wants to happen. Help to identify steps you can take; and the skills they have to help sort out the situation. Make sure you always keep them informed about any actions you decide to take.  You may be tempted to tell your child to retaliate but this can have unpredictable results. Your child might get into trouble or get even more hurt. Rather – role play non-violent ways they can respond to children that are bullying them (e.g. ‘I don’t like it when you say that to me / do that to me. Stop.’); show them how to block or unfriend people if the bullying is online and help them identify other friends or adults that can support them.  Encourage your child to get involved in activities that build their confidence and esteem, and help them to form friendships outside of school (or wherever the bullying is taking place).

Information, support and advice Family LivesFamily Lives (previously Parentline Plus) gives support and advice for parents on any aspect of parenting and family life, including bullying. Contact a FamilyContact a Family have a helpline for families with disabled children - they can give advice on bullying issues. You can contact them on and visit their website for more information The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) Provides help and advice on cyberbullying, the Centre maintains a website for children and young people, and parents and carers about staying safe online.a website Ofsted Parent View website Ofsted Parent View website This website has an online questionnaire that allows parents and carers to give their views on their child's school at any time of the year. The questionnaire asks for parents for their opinion on 12 aspects of their child's school, from the quality of teaching, to dealing with bullying and poor behaviour, with a final question as to whether or not they would recommend the school to other parents.

Any questions???