How to Recognise Bullying in Schools
Wilbert?s Wellbeing Wednesday: How to Recognise Bullying in Schools
As it is Anti-Bullying Week, we?re taking a look at how education professionals can spot bullying in schools. The Anti-Bullying Alliance says that 30% of children have been bullied in the last year alone, with approximately one child in every classroom experiencing bullying each day.
We are committed to improving education in any way we can, helping schools to create an environment where all children feel safe and supported & give education professionals the tools to recognise warning signs in students.
In many cases, a child might indirectly tell you that they?re being bullied. For example, a student might say that other children are teasing them, making fun of them or calling them names ? all of which are forms of bullying.
If a child doesn?t say anything but you?re worried, here are some signs to look out for.
Wilbert?s top tips for spotting signs of bullying at school:
Children might:
- Not want to go to nursery or school
- Stay close to teachers during breaks
- Start sitting alone
- Have difficulty asking or answering questions in class
- Have trouble with schoolwork or homework
- Stop taking part in school activities
Social changes
Students might avoid socialising, or you might notice that a child talks about:
- Being excluded at lunch and recess
- Losing contact with classmates after school
- Being chosen last for teams and games
Emotional changes
Children might seem unusually anxious, nervous, upset, unhappy, down, teary, angry, withdrawn and secretive. It?s important to note that these changes don?t necessarily mean a child is being bullied, they could be signs of other issues, but you should take these signs seriously.
There?s no single way to tell whether a child is being bullied. The way students react to bullying will depend on how bad the bullying is, as well as their personalities.
At Class People, all of our staff hold a Level 2 qualification in Safeguarding Children through our partners at LearnPac, and while it can be difficult to recognise bullying within a day if attending a school on a supply basis, if you do spot any of the signs above, it is worth noting it to the setting?s designated safeguarding lead - even if you?re not 100% sure.
Wilbert Howells is our Head of Staff Wellbeing, and as such he will be sharing his tips and tricks for wellbeing improvement throughout this academic year.
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