1. Bullying

2. What is Bullying?
The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) defines bullying as ‘the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person by another, or by a group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power.’
Crucially, they say that bullying can be:
Verbal: calling people names, insulting or teasing someone
Physical: hitting or shoving, damaging belongings
Indirect: spreading rumours, excluding someone purposefully
Cyberbullying: sending mean messages on social networking sites or via phone messages
There are also other forms of bullying which may be experienced such as:
Manipulative bullying: where one person controls another
Conditional friendship: where a child thinks someone is their friend but they are being bullied by them
Exploitative bullying: where features of a child’s condition are used to bully them

3. What to do if you suspect your child is being bullied…

4. Make a note of the things that are worrying you
Make a note of the things that are worrying you. Click here (1) to a link which gives a list of things that might be considered signs of bullying.
Step 1 Watch
Sit your child down and ask them if anything is wrong, reassure them.
If they want to talk, listen to what they say.
Click here (2) to find a template which may help you get all the important information down on paper.
Step 2 Question
If your child is in school, let the school know you would like to speak to someone about it.
The school will have a designated safeguarding person with whom you can share your concerns and keep your child safe.
Alternatively, click here (3) to find a list of agencies that may be useful.
Step 3 Share
“My child hasn’t said anything but I’m worried they are being bullied…”

5. What to do if your child tells you they have been bullied…

6. “My child has informed me that they are being bullied…”
The child may want to blurt it all out; be calm – if you are they will be. If they are too unsettled to speak, come back to it when they are ready to talk.
Step 1 Listen
Give your child the opportunity to speak to you. Note down what they say as it may come in handy later.
Click here (2) to find a template which may help you get all the important information down on paper.
Step 2 Record
If your child is in school, let the school know you would like to speak to someone about it.
The school will have a designated safeguarding person with whom you can share your concerns and keep your child safe.
Alternatively, click here (3) to find a list of agencies that may be useful.
Step 3 Share
“My child has informed me that they are being bullied…”

7. (1) Signs of Bullying Signs of Bullying
Withdrawing from activities, friends and family.
Avoiding social situations.
Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewellery
Loss of interest in schoolwork or not wanting to go to school.
Difficulty sleeping or unexplained injuries.
Nightmares and physical complaints.
Self-destructive behaviours such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide.
Decrease in confidence and self esteem.
May come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.
Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating.
Signs of Bullying

8. (2) Information Gathering
What happened..?
When exactly did this happen..?
Where did it happen?
Did anything happen before this..?
Who was involved..?
Did anyone else see?

9. (3) List of Useful Agencies
The list of agencies below may be useful if you are looking for further help or guidance: Bullying UK - NSPCC - Barnados -

10. Cyberbullying

11. Cyberbullying
Cyber bullying is any form of bullying which takes place online or through smartphones and tablets. It is rife on the internet and most young people will experience it or see it at some point. In a recent Government national bullying survey, 56% of young people said they have seen others be bullied online and 42% have felt unsafe online. Cyber bullying can happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and it can go viral very fast so it is important that steps are taken to explore safe ways to use technology. For further support or guidance, the following webpages may be helpful:

12. Sexting

13. Protecting your child from Sexting
Sexting is becoming more and more common. It is when someone uses technology to share sexual or naked images or videos of themselves, or when someone sends sexually explicit messages. They can be shared on phones, tablets, laptops and other devices. When discussing sexting, it is important to remember that creating or sharing explicit images of a child is illegal, even if the person doing it is a child. A young person may sext for a number of reasons. They may lack understanding and copy friends; they may have low self esteem; they may be exploring their sexual feelings. Alternatively, they may just find it hard to say no. Many young people don’t understand the emotional and psychological damage sexting can do. It is important to educate young people about the risks of sexting. Once an image is sent, it can’t be retrieved and the young person has no control over how an image or text is shared. In some cases, ‘sexts’ could be used to blackmail the young person and it can certainly be extremely damaging to a young person’s reputation. If you are a young person who needs advice or a parent who needs support, follow these links for further information: