Advice for Parents and Carers
Bullying is wrong and harmful.
- Bullying can start out as fun/teasing but can develop into harmful behaviour.
- Bullying is deliberate intent to cause harm.
- Bullying is repeated over a period of time.
- Bullies enjoy the power they have over their victim(s).
- No one deserves to be bullied.
- Bullies are often unhappy and need help too.
Signs of bullying
- sleep or appetite problems
- immature behaviour e.g. thumb sucking,tantrums
- bedwetting or soiling
- behaviour changese.g.withdrawn,moody,aggressive,uncooperative ,poor concentration,lack of interest in hobbies.
- unexplained scratches,bruises,aches.
- reluctance to attend school or other social activities.
- getting detentions to avoid leaving school with peers.
- deliberately missing school bus.
- stealing money or small things.
- asking for money for no acceptable reason.
- friends no longer calling.
- seeming upset or moody after using computer or phone.
- demanding to change school or activity.
- demanding the latest fashion, designer mobile, piercing.
- clothes ripped,muddy or missing.
- arriving home very hungry.(why missed lunch).
- school work of poor quality.
- rushing home to use toilet or shower(can be bullying in toilets or being spat on).
- suspicion has started smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs.
- embracing a minority youth cult that glorifies death and suicide.
Note many of these signs are normal adolescent behaviour but you know your child and will pick up signals when something is wrong.
Find a quiet place to talk if you are concerned. Reassure they are not to blame even if they have tried to retaliate or done something they should not have. Decide together who you will approach and how it will be done. it is not usually a good idea to confront the bullies or their families. make a note of all the incidents,those involved,witnesses and if there were any consequences. record any further incidents(schools can give you an anti-bullying diary). contact the police if you feel a crime has been committed. you may also contact child protection if you feel your child has suffered , or is at risk of suffering, serious harm. all north lincolnshire`s schools and children`s establishments have anti-bullying policies and procedures and have trained staff to support victims and intervene in reported bullying incidents. should you be unhappy with the school`s response to your concerns you should complain to the chair of the school`s governing body. locally the parents anti -bullying group will offer advice and support to any parent/carer(writing letters,accompanying to meetings etc) they meet every second monday of the month at kaleidoscope . dunstall street at 5pm contact michelle on 075 187 273 84
meeting at the same time(separate room) is the yabc open to all children and young people who are against bullying the anti-bullying consultant also attends.
