Schools and learning

Bullying at School

Introduction

Schools aim to create an environment in which children and staff feel safe, secure and happy because this is when children learn most effectively. Most schools have behaviour management policies and codes of conduct which encourage everyone to treat each other with kindness and respect.

Some children may, however, suffer from being bullied at some time during their school life. In many cases this will be a passing incident which the child will cope with. But in some cases the effects can be serious and very upsetting.

If you think that your child is distressed because they are being bullied at school it is important that you talk to the school as soon as possible. Schools are keen to deal firmly with any case of bullying and once the school is aware of a problem it will want to take steps, with you, to sort it out.

What is bullying?

Bullying is where a person or a group exercise control over another against their will, often leaving the victim feeling powerless and alone.

Bullying behaviours have three things in common:

• It is deliberately hurtful behaviour.
• It is repeated over a period of time.
• It is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves.

Bullying may involve one or more of the following behaviours:

• Physical - hitting, kicking, taking belongings.
• Verbal - name-calling, insulting, racist remarks, threats.
• Indirect - spreading nasty stories about someone, excluding someone from social groups.

Why do children sometimes bully other children?

Children might bully because:

• They may not have been taught that it is wrong to bully.
• They may think that it is just a bit of fun.
• They are copying older brothers and sisters, friends or people they observe.
• They do not know of more appropriate ways of mixing with their school friends.
• They are encouraged to bully by their friends.
• They are going through a difficult time at school or elsewhere.
• They themselves have been a victim of bullying.