What is bullying?
There is no legal definition of bullying but it is usually defined as repeated behaviour that is intended to harm someone else physically or emotionally. This can often be aimed at certain people because of their race, religion, appearance or disability. Bullying can take many forms such as physical, verbal, cyber, social or threatening behaviour.
How does bullying effect mental health?
There is a strong link between bullying and mental health; children who are bullied are more likely to develop mental health problems, have fewer friends, not be accepted by their peers, be warty and suspicious of others, have problems adjusting to school, not do as well as their peers in school.
What can teachers do to improve and assist young people’s wellbeing affected by bullying?
Working preventatively can help to stop bullying from happening in the first place. Teachers can do this through the ground rules within their classroom ensuring the children understand what bullying is and how to stop it. Preventative measures may not always stop bullying so it is important to look out for potential signs of bullying.
3 top tips!
- If you have concerns about bullying, you should follow your school’s anti bullying procedures as soon as possible
- It is important to talk to children and young people about bullying, how it affects people involved and what they should do if they witness someone being bullied
- Buddying systems and peer mentoring can be effective ways of supporting children who are experiencing or at risk of bullying
