Anti-Bullying/Bullying

Updated: 26/08/16

Norfolk Children’s Services believes that every child deserves to learn in a safe environment, free from harassment and bullying.

Bullying is something we all need to take very seriously. It is a deliberately hurtful act, which is repeated often over a period of time. It causes pain and distress to the person who is being bullied, and is an abuse of power where the bully thinks he or she is in control and the target feels powerless.

Everyone – staff, pupils, parents/carers and members of the community – has a role to play to stop bullying.

What is Bullying?

Bullying can range from physical violence to verbal abuse and being cut out of social groups. It also includes abusive texts, e-mails or nasty notes put on social networking sites (such as Facebook) and websites (known as cyber bullying). Bullying is not a one off incident such as a fight or when two equals have the odd fight or quarrel.

Being a bully, or being bullied, can happen to anyone and can have long-term effects.

Bullying is often secretive and hidden and staff may not always be aware of it. If you think your child is being bullied it is important to talk to the staff in that setting as soon as possible. Schools and settings are keen to address bullying matters swiftly and take steps, with you, to sort it out.

 

What are the types of Bullying?

Bullying can take many forms but it usually includes the following types of behaviour:
Physical – hitting, kicking, pinching, punching, scratching, spitting or any other form of physical attack. Damage to or taking someone else’s belongings may also constitute as physical bullying. This form of bullying is more common amongst boys.
Verbal – name calling, insulting, making racist, sexist or homophobic jokes, remarks or teasing, using sexually suggestive or abusive language, offensive remarks. This form of bullying accounts for about 75% of all bullying.
Indirect or ‘Behind your back’ – spreading nasty stories about someone, exclusion from social groups, being made the subject of malicious rumours, sending abusive mail, and email and text messages (cyber bullying). This form of bullying is more common amongst girls.
Cyber– bullying using any form of technology. This includes the following:
  • IMS (Instant Messaging Services)
  • Chat rooms and Message Boards
  • E mails
  • Web cams
  • Social network sites
  • Virtual Learning Environments (VLE)
  • Gaming sites, consoles and virtual world

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