No single sign will indicate for certain that your child is being bullied, but watch out for: belongings getting 'lost' or damaged physical injuries, such as unexplained bruises being afraid to go to school, being mysteriously 'ill' each morning, or skipping school not doing as well at school asking for, or stealing, money (to give to whoever's bullying them) being nervous, losing confidence, or becoming distressed and withdrawn problems with eating or sleeping bullying others You might experience a huge range of emotions if you discover your child is being bullied. Here is some advice to support: Talk to them about bullying and cyberbullying. Explain what bullying is, ask if anything like that has happened to them. Keep calm and listen carefully to what they say. Reassure about the next steps - they may feel scared, embarrassed or ashamed. Continue to check in and offer to listen. Let them know who to ask for help. This could be a trusted adult, a teacher or a family member. Speak to the school. In the first instance, this would be the Pupil Support Teacher/House Head. This will be recorded by the school, investigated and reviewed in line with our Anti-bullying action plan, detailed on page 10. You could encourage your child to complete an online anti-bullying self-referral form: Anti Bullying Self-Referral Form Help them relax and take time out. Bullying can reduce confidence. Provide opportunities to make them feel good and build confidence. Reassure at all points. Report bullying on social media and online gaming. Don't stop them from using their phone or social media - this could feel like a punishment and the child has not done anything wrong. Support to block and report. Report bullying videos shared online. Get in contact with the site the video is shared on as soon as possible. If a report is made and depending on the sites terms and conditions, they may be able to remove this. |