Today sees the launch of the 2023 Anti-Bullying Week campaign, organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
The theme this year is “Make A Noise About Bullying” and here at Ipswich School, tutors will be sharing anti-bullying week material with us all. Information from the Anti-Bullying Alliance says: “Too often, we are silent when we see bullying take place, silent about the hurt bullying causes, and silent when we hear bullying dismissed as ‘just banter’.” This year the campaign encourages everyone to make a noise about bullying when they see it. Bullying is a common occurrence affecting an estimated one third of children worldwide.
So what is bullying? Bullying takes place in lots of different forms including verbal, physical, and cyber. Verbal bullying involves teasing, name-calling, taunting, or making threats. Physical bullying can involve hitting, tripping, kicking, spitting, or taking or damaging someone’s possessions. Social bullying hurts someone’s relationships by purposely excluding the victim from a group and spreading rumours. Cyberbullying is a serious form of online bullying – 1 in 5 teenagers in England have experienced cyberbullying in the last two months and studies show children who have been cyberbullied are more likely to be depressed, anxious and lonely. But only around 2-3% reported it the first time.
When is it bullying and not ‘just banter’? Well, its not banter if:
• You would be upset if someone said it to you
• It’s hurtful
• You’re not friends
• Someone’s asked you to stop
• The target isn’t laughing
• It focuses on someone’s insecurities
If you are struggling with bullying, here are some people who you could talk to:
• Miss Woodmansey, Head of Wellbeing
• Your form tutor
• Your parents
• Or anyone you trust
You can also find help online on websites such as The Mix: www.themix.org.uk, or you could call Childline on 0800 1111. Miss Woodmansey told the Occasional: “It is so important that we create a school environment that is safe and supportive for everybody. Being bullied not only feels horrible, it can harm a young person’s self-esteem, mental health, and often their ability to progress academically. “We want to empower our students to build relationships with each other that are built on kindness, being empathetic and respectful. If anybody feels they are being bullied, please speak to a member of staff who will listen and help – you are not alone.”
If you are being bullied, remember: keep a record of what’s happening, don’t retaliate, surround yourself with people who make you feel happy, don’t blame yourself and always remember to be proud of who you are.
Sofia C, Holly M and Phaidra T, Year 10
