Bullying

Bullying is an activity which affects substantial numbers of young people in their daily lives. It causes great distress and hardship and is often difficult to detect or diagnose particularly since it can take a number of forms.

It is a fear for both pupils and parents and can take place both within and outwith school. Research shows that significant numbers of children are adversely affected by bullying and it happens to some extent in every school.

Bullies themselves are often victims of abuse or neglect. Once identified they need support for their own particular problems. The victims of bullying are often vulnerable, different or on their own, for example they may :

• be a newcomer to the school
• dress or speak differently
• react in a particular way to being bullied or are unable to stick up for themselves
• be in a specific group relating to gender, appearance, ability, beliefs, colour, preferences or
• place of residence.

Bullying itself can take a number of different forms and may consist of one or more of the following :

• Verbal eg being called names or being subjected to nasty comments or notes
• Social eg being left out of things or ignored
• Psychological eg being threatened or forced to do things
• Material eg possessions stolen or property damaged
• Physical eg being assaulted

It is often difficult to trace bullying and to make decisions about the form it takes. Care should be taken to establish facts and to understand the differences between common school and playground activities, such as arguments, disagreements, fights, and actual bullying.