Bullying

There is nothing new about bullying. It has been present in playgrounds and lives for centuries, though that makes it no easier. Bullying is a very serious issue, and thankfully is being treated that way by school and parents. Whilst bullying has always occurred, it seems that this behaviour has been underestimated in both its extent and severity. It is estimated that one in 6 Australian children are bullied weekly.

In the school setting, young people experience bullying as a frequent challenge. It is important to counter views that bullying is an inevitable part of school life. The wider community and particularly the adults within it, must take responsibility for making it clear that bullying is an act of violence and will not be tolerated in our society. Schools have an obligation to ensure they are a safe place for all students. Schools are doing a fantastic job, implementing new policies and programs to help abolish bullying at school.

Bullying is increasingly becoming a large problem in Australian primary schools. As teachers predetermine ways of disciplining students, students are acting out towards each other. Relationships at school are influenced by bullying, if this is happening, this will immediately affect students behaviour and make it harder for them to learn. A child will not learn anything if they are too frightened to go to school. If students are educated on the subject and are taught ways to deal with the emotions and what bullying means, they are open to learning more positive ways of responding to situations. They are therefore able to make more considered choices and are less influenced by immediate circumstances and responses. This has to be done with a combination of school and at home. The PDHPE Syllabus is designed to equip students with the practical tools they need for life. You, at home can also be open about discussing bullying with your child and find ways for them to deal with their emotions.

There are many organisations that assist children that are the victims of bullying. The statistics that they provide are a staggering result. According to recent studies, most children have either been bullied or witnessed bullying at school. According to Prof. Ken Rigby, in Australia, one student in six between the ages of nine and seventeen, is affected by bullying at least once a week.

Bullying, harassment and discrimination are part of social practice currently in the school grounds. Bullying can represent distrust, fear, misunderstanding, and lack of knowledge or jealousy – all factors that schools can address in positive and active ways.

At home, there are many things that you can do to help children deal with these issues. There are many books, some for younger children by Trace Moroney discuss feelings When I’m Felling Jealous, When I’m Felling Angry. There are 8 books in the series, and they contain background notes for parents to use. There are also websites designed specifically for children. (Listed at the end of this article)

Bullying causes all sorts of damage. The target can be affected emotionally, physically, academically and socially. They can experience poor self-esteem, physical health difficulties, anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, depression and post traumatic stress disorder. Bullying can lead to shyness, social isolation or a social phobia. Children who are victims of bullying may never want to go to school again.

Many schools and teachers are aware of the large levels of bullying in the schools, and so have various policies to combat that. Many principals are encouraging to teachers to teach awareness about bullying to create a happy and safe learning environment for their students. The New South Wales Department of Education has policies that support the teaching of bullying in public schools. They say that “Every public school has its own discipline policy which includes codes of conduct to ensure students are free from bullying and intimidation. We believe students have a right to be safe and happy at school. Our schools have anti-bullying policies in place to deal with bullying promptly and effectively by involving mediation, disciplinary action, warnings, social skills programs, counseling and parental involvement".

Talking about bullying will be a sensitive issue for some children. If they feel tormented and lack self esteem, they will not feel comfortable about discussing the issue freely. Find somewhere comfortable where your child can relax, and away from other people if you want to have a discussion about bullying.

For more information on bullying, some helpful websites are:
http://www.bullying.com.au/

'Bullying in schools and what to do about it.'
http://www.education.unisa.edu.au/bullying/

Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
www.kidshelp.com.au

One of the best information sites that I have seen is the Children’s Youth and Women’s Health Service. If you go there and type in bullying. They give great expert advice on practical things you can do to deal with it and how to recognise the signs.
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/

Tina Tower

Begin Bright Founder, Teacher and Mum of two