Introduction
Bullying is one of two things – behaviour and impact. It is what an individual undertakes and the impression it has on someone’s capacity to feel in control of themselves. Respectme refers to this as the person’s sense of agency.
The manner of bullying can negatively impact people physically and/or emotionally. However, even if the bullying behaviour might not be repeated, the fear that it could be repeated can be tolerated over time. This fear is commonly heightened by actions such as: looks, messages, confrontations (both online and in person), or physical interventions. According to Respectme, such behaviour can consist of:
- Being called names, teased, put down or threatened face to face and/or online.
- Being hit, tripped, pushed or kicked
- Having belongings taken or damaged
- Being ignored, left out or having rumours spread about you (face to face and/or online)
- Sending abusive messages, pictures or images on social media, online gaming platforms or phone
- Behaviour which makes people feel like they are not in control of themselves or their lives
- Being targeted because of who you are or who you are perceived to be (face to face and/or online)
Having said all that, the aim of this module is to help parents deal with bullying if they know their child is being bullied, or if they discover their child is doing the bullying.
Materials
Repsect Me (anti-bullying) Voiceover Presentation
Leaflets/Handouts
Bullying… A Guide for Parents and Carers http://respectme.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Bullying-a-guide-for-parents-and-carers-2016.pdf
5 Ways to Help Your Child Stay Safe When It Comes to Online Bullying https://respectme.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/respectme-Parents-Tip-Sheet-master.pdf
Websites
Bullying: What Can I Do? (video clip) https://youtu.be/KSbV1W-nmqo
Respectme: A Guide for Adults https://respectme.org.uk/adults/
Bullying at School – Help and Advice for Parents https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/kids.html
Childline https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/types-bullying/
Children 1st – Advice for parents to spot the signs of child bullying https://www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland/guidance-advice/bullying/
Video Clips
Parents and online bullying (1): 5 things parents and carers should know about online bullying https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yto2fRvKmYs
Parents and online bullying (2): Recognising online bullying and how it plays out online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8rMv7YgHb8
Parents and online bullying (3): 4 tips to help you deal with online bullying. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXPMGKpcEog
Parents and online bullying (4): Practical tools you can use to address online bullying. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UbICJdZldY
Helplines
If you are affected by any of the materials please contact:-
National bullying line Call 0845 22 55 787 (Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
Parents – NSPCC Call 0808 800 500 email help@nspcc.org.uk
Children – ChildLine Scotland Call 0800 1111 Visit: www.childline.org.uk
