Bullying is behaviour that is intended to hurt someone physically or emotionally and is often repeated over time.

It can happen:

• At school

• On the way to and from school

• In sports clubs and activities

• Within friendship groups

• Online

• In the community

Bullying can happen to anyone and can take many forms.

Bullying may include:

✓ Name-calling

✓ Teasing

✓ Insults

✓ Threats

✓ Intimidation

✓ Deliberately excluding someone

✓ Spreading rumours

✓ Encouraging others to isolate someone

✓ Mocking appearance, abilities, or background

✓ Taking or damaging belongings

✓ Repeated humiliation

✓ Social manipulation

Your child may have taken a long time to tell you what has been happening.

Allow them to speak without interruption and reassure them that you are taking them seriously.

Children who are being bullied often blame themselves.

Let them know:

“This is not your fault.”

“You have done the right thing by telling me.”

“We will work through this together.”

Try to understand:

• What has been happening

• How long it has been happening

• Who is involved

• How it is affecting your child

Keep a record of incidents where possible.

Schools have a responsibility to take bullying concerns seriously and to help keep children safe.

Approach conversations calmly and focus on:

• The facts

• The impact on your child

• What support is available.

You should seek further support if:

• The bullying is ongoing

• Your child no longer feels safe

• Their mental health is being affected

• School attendance is becoming difficult

• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts are mentioned

• The behaviour is escalating

You do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Children who are being bullied may experience:

• Anxiety

• Sadness

• Fear

• Anger

• Low self-esteem

• Loneliness

• Sleep difficulties

• Changes in behaviour

• Loss of confidence

Some children become withdrawn, while others may appear angry or frustrated.

Every child responds differently.

Keep communication open

Let your child know they can talk to you without fear of judgement.

Focus on their wellbeing

Prioritise:

• Safety

• Emotional support

• Confidence-building

• Positive relationships

Avoid retaliation

While it is natural to feel protective, focusing on support and resolution is usually more effective than responding emotionally.

Seek support early

The earlier concerns are addressed, the better the outcome is likely to be.

You may notice:

• Reluctance to attend school

• Unexplained illnesses before school

• Changes in friendship groups

• Loss of confidence

• Mood changes

• Withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed

• Increased anxiety

• Falling academic performance

Not every child will show obvious signs.