Thu. Nov 14th, 2024

Anti-Bullying Week 2024: Insight and advice from Childline and the NSPCC Helpline

Supportive mother comforting sad teenage girl rejected by friends, helping depressed teen daughter to deal with breakup. Upset depressed adolescent child looking at phone at home, waiting for call

Anti-Bullying Week is an annual event in the UK that aims to raise awareness about the bullying of children and young people and highlights ways of preventing and responding to the issue. The week is organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and this year’s theme is ‘Choose Respect’.

The theme will encourage children and young people to start a national conversation about how to handle disagreements and differences of opinion without resorting to bullying. It aims to encourage people to support each other to champion kindness – highlighting that being kind is not a sign of weakness but a mark of strength.   

  Shaun Friel, Childline Director said:

“Bullying can take on many different forms, and it can happen anywhere including in school, at home or online.

“With almost 8,000 Childline counselling sessions on the issue over the past year, we inevitably hear from young people on a daily basis who want to talk about bullying.

“It’s important that campaigns, such as Anti-Bullying Week exist, so we can continue the conversation of the effects this type of behaviour can have on children. It can make young people feel incredibly lonely, afraid and impact their mental wellbeing. 

“Childline is always here for young people to turn to, no matter what the issue. Our trained counsellors will be here 24/7 over the phone and online.”

Quote from Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance

“With thousands of young people turning to Childline and the NSPCC Helpline for support on bullying which aligns so much with our own research, it’s clear we must take action. 

“This Anti-Bullying Week, let’s come together, lead by example and commit to always choosing respect, creating safer spaces for every child.” 

  Advice for children

  1. Share how you are feeling with other young people. Childline’s monitored online message boards are a safe non-judgmental space where you can speak to other children who are in a similar situation to you about your experiences and feelings. This can help you feel less alone and will give you an online support network that you can turn to.
  1. Talk to an adult you trust about the bullying you are experiencing so you feel less alone and so that adult can support you. This could be a parent, teacher or you can speak to a Childline counsellor on 0800 1111 or online at childline.org.uk
  1. Take a break from your device if you are being bullied online and do something you enjoy such as sport, listening to music or art.
  1. Remember that bullying is not your fault.
  1. Report and block someone if they are sending you messages online that upset you.

  For Adults: 

Signs to spot that your child may be being bullied online:

  • Not wanting to go to school or take part in normal activities.
  • Getting anxious or angry if you go near their device.
  • Feeling withdrawn, upset or angry at home.
  • Problems sleeping or eating.
  • Having angry outbursts that seem out of character.
  • Spending more or less time online than normal.

Signs to spot that your child may be being bullied in-person

  • Belongings are getting lost or damaged.
  • Physical injuries such as unexplained bruises.
  • Being afraid to go to school.
  • Not doing as well at school.
  • Being nervous, losing confidence, or becoming distressed and withdrawn.
  • Problems with eating or sleeping.
  • Bullying others.

What to do if you think your child is being bullied

  1. Talk to your child and remind them to come to you with anything that might be making them feel anxious or sad.  If your child speaks to you about an experience of bullying that they’ve had online or in person, try to remain calm and don’t overwhelm them with questions and reassure them that it will be ok, and that you’re always there for them.
  1. Show them how to report or block a message that they’ve received from someone online that upsets or worries them.
  1. Don’t take their device away if they’ve had a negative experience online. Although you may want to do this if they are upset, this may make them feel like whatever has happened is their fault.  Instead, suggest they take some time away from the app they received the messages on and do another online activity they enjoy like playing a game.
  1. Know where you can get further support. Adults can call the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. There is also further advice on the NSPCC website.
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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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