The Line - Bullying

FACT SHEET: Bullying

The Issue: Bully-proof your kids

Bullying and harassment can happen anywhere to anyone, for any reason. It can occur at school, at work and even at home. The good news is, you can bully-proof your kids by being aware of when and how it can happen and knowing what to do about it.

What is bullying?

Bullying is a form of abuse, and is intentional, repeated intimidating behaviour by an individual or group that causes distress, hurt or undue pressure. In most cases there is a power play within the bullying, with the target been seen as weaker than the perpetrator(s).

The 4 bullying behaviour styles

Verbal: Name calling, teasing, abuse, humiliation, sarcasm, insults, threats
Physical: Hitting, punching, kicking, scratching, tripping, spitting
Social: Ignoring, excluding, ostracising, alienating, making inappropriate gestures
Psychological: Spreading rumours, glaring, hiding or damaging possessions, malicious SMS and email and misuse of camera phones.

Take it seriously

Bullying is a serious issue. It can devalue, isolate and frighten young people. It can have long-term effects on everyone involved and research shows it can lead to low self-esteem, self harm and even suicide.

Signs to Look Out For

Is your child being bullied?

Young people who are being bullied or harassed might not talk about it with their teachers/school counsellors/parents or other adults because they are afraid that it will only make things worse. It's important then to be aware of the danger signs that bullying is happening.

Signs of bullying

Unexplained cuts, bruises or scratches
Damaged or ripped clothing
Damaged or missing belongings
Vague headaches or stomach aches
Refusal to go to school
Tearfulness or depression
Lack/Loss of confidence and anxiety
Negative personality changes
An unwillingness to leave the house
Aggressive or bullying behaviour towards other family members

What if your child is the bully?

It can be hard to accept that our child is the bully but if this is the case, know that bullies operate out of a place of low self-esteem, inadequacy and feelings of powerlessness and this can often be changed with help and understanding.

6 indicators that a child might use bullying behaviour

They ...

Are impulsive, hot-headed and dominant
Can be easily frustrated and have trouble reigning in feelings.
Show a lack of empathy or compassion
Have difficulty following rules
View violence in a positive way
Show little remorse or refuse to take responsibility for their actions

Tips - What to do if your child is being bullied

Listen and be supportive – acknowledge their hurt feelings
Get the facts: Who/What/Where/Why/When – In a caring, interested manner.
Try to find out your kids perception about why they're being bullied and explain it's not their fault.
Teach them to deal with bullying by walking away, making new friends and talking people they trust like friends, teachers, parents and carers about what's happening.
If the harassment is serious then take the issue to the head of the school, or to the police.

Helping the bully – breaking the cycle of intimidation.

If you child is bullying another you can...

Help your child understand the damage their actions are causing
Put healthy boundaries in place and consequences if they are broken
Consider whether they have learned this behaviour from someone else, such as friends or siblings. Bullies have often been bullied themselves or think it's cool to copy people they admire.
Talk to the school (or organisation where the bullying is happening) and work out an action plan for dealing with it.

Help Is a Phone Call Away

If you feel you need some advice or support call the confidential 24 hour helpline 1800 737 732 to talk with experienced counsellors.

For more information check out www.bullyingnoway.com.au

What can I expect when I call the helpline?

Your call will be answered by a person, no answering machines, no recorded messages. The person who answers your call will be an experienced counsellor, not the police, not a government department.

You will not have to give your name, You can request a male or female counsellor.

They can also help connect you to other support services as needed.