North Ayrshire Council supports anti-bullying week 16 to 20th November 2009
Bullying affects lots of children and young people – of all ages and can seriously damage a child or young person's emotional health. It can cause physical harm too.
Jillian Russell, Assistant Principal Officer, Child Protection Development Team for North Ayrshire Council explains the different kinds of bullying. "There's name calling," she said, "or hitting, spreading rumours, intimidation and isolating/excluding a child or young person.
"Bullying can also take place in various ways such as face-to-face, via written notes or messages, mobile phones and social networking sites."
Jillian added that every child and young person had the right to be protected from bullying.
"If this is happening to you or to someone you know, please talk to an adult who can help such as a teacher, school nurse, youth worker or a family member."
West Kilbride Primary School is one of the many schools where a pro-active approach has been taken to tackle bullying. Head teacher Sheena Savage said: "It's all about respect. We teach children what behaviours are acceptable. Youngsters are also taught how to collaborate, negotiate and compromise for if you do these things you are less likely to get bullying behaviour."
Some of the anti-bullying measures introduced include a Friendship Bench – where children can sit if they've no friends in the playground. Other children are encouraged to sit with pupils on the bench and invite them to play.
Another method is a Circle of Friends for particularly vulnerable youngsters who may be socially isolated. School staff will identify a group of around eight individuals who will ensure the youngster is ok and has friends to rely on in times of distress. Children run a Skipping Club and Fitness Club in the playground to keep youngsters busy.
In many schools campus police officers are available to support children who are being bullied. They also give advice on how to avoid cyber bullying – the modern way to bully via text messaging or social networking sites such as Bebo.
For more information take a look at the North Ayrshire Child Protection Committee website.