Learning outcome 5
(5.1) Different types of bullying
Bullying can have a wide range of negative effects on a child. It can happen at any age, any time and in many forms, not only face to face but also via mobile phones and online. The table below shows the different types of bullying and the effects.

Types of bullying

Definition

Effects of bullying

Physical

Physical bullying occurs where contact is made by kicking, hitting, pushing, poking etc

Low self esteem
Will get hurt
Sadness (feelings)
Loneliness
Scared/afraid

Emotional

Causing distress to an individual by threatening physical violence, undermining a child’s self confidence by telling them they are useless & worthless

Low self esteem
Self confidence (low)
Sadness
Changes in sleep
Changes in behaviour
Changes in eating patterns
Self harming

Verbal

Insulting the victim, intimidating, name calling & teasing

Sadness
Low self esteem
Depression
School performance

Non-verbal

Rude hand gestures or threatening text messages

Sadness
Isolated
Depressed
Singled out
Self harm

Racial

Verbal & non verbal racist comments, physical attacks or encouraging other children to behave in a racist way

Low self esteem
Isolated
Self harming
Hurt & anger
Religion failure
depressed

Sexual

Can be physical, emotional or verbal & can also include the use of technology. Sending sexual explicit texts (written or pornographic) &unwanted sexual attention

harassed
low self esteem
sadness
scared
changes in sleep
changes in diet

Cyber

Internet, email or any other type of digital technology is used to intimidate, threaten or upset someone. Includes the use of social networking & email communication

low self esteem
sadness
changes in attitude
changes in behaviour
self harming
intimidated
threatened
upset
scared

Reference/bibliography
www.bullying.co.uk
(5.2) Effects of bullying on children and young people
The different types of bullying that have been identified in the table (physical, emotional, verbal, non-verbal, racial, and sexual and cyber) can have a wide range of effects on children and young people, which include the following.

Changes in eating habits (reluctance to eat or binge eating)
Reluctance to go to school (making up excuses that are made up such as stomach aches and feeling ill and playing truancy)
Withdrawn behaviour and reluctance to communicate
Seem upset and distressed
Their belongings stolen or damaged whilst at school (ripped school uniform or bag or broken equipment)
Physical injuries (may not always be visible e.g. hair pulling etc)
Might have trouble sleeping
Afraid to be on their own or spends too much time alone

The effects of bullying can last a lifetime and have the flowing effects.

Self harming (cutting wrists, scratching, hair loss, etc)
Suicide
Abuse alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults
Getting into fights, vandalizing property, and dropping out of school
Getting into gangs/ gang fights
Socialising with wrong members of the public (drug dealers)
Engage in early sexual activity (for females become pregnant at a young age)
Have criminal convictions
Being abusive towards their partners, spouses or children as adults

Children who witness bullying are more likely to do the following.

Have increased use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
Have increased mental health problems, including depression and anxiety
Miss or skip school which effects their education

Responding to evidence of bullying
Clear policies and procedures should be followed in the school setting when an allegation has been made or evidence of bullying has been seen. Each school setting will have a anti-bullying and behaviour policy in place outlining what constitutes bullying and the standard of behaviour that is expected in the school.
Anti bullying policy
The anti bullying policy will set out a definition of what constitutes bullying and the different types of bullying that can be experienced. I will include the following.

Unacceptable behaviour and definitions of this
The responsibilities that the school holds for ensuring that action is taken if allegations are made or bullying is suspected
Responsibilities of staff and governors
Pupils have the right to learn free from intimidation and fear
The needs of the victim are paramount
School’s will not tolerate bullying behaviour
Bullied pupils will be listened to
Reported incidents would be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated

Behaviour policy
The behaviour policy will usually set out the rule and responsibilities of children and teachers within the school setting and the types of behaviour that are not acceptable. It will show the consequences of non-compliance and the procedures that will be followed if unacceptable behaviour takes place. Policies and procedures should come into force to ensure that bullying is stopped, and to make sure it does not happen again.

The victim should have a meeting with the teacher to put together strategies in case the situation occurs again
Point out that the behaviour that has occurred is unacceptable, and provide information how they are going to be monitored
Meeting with staff and other children who have witnessed the bullying should take place to obtain additional evidence
Consider if external agencies should get involved
Make use of curriculum to restore self esteem in the victim and to discuss bullying and unacceptable behaviour

Behaviour policy for schools would include the following.

To create a consistent environment that expects, encourages and recognises good behaviour and one in which everyone feels happy and safe
To help pupils develop self respect, self control and accountability for their own behaviour
To encourage the partnership between home and school

Staff responsibilities

To role model good behaviour and positive relationships
To emphasise the importance of values and being valued
To provide an effective learning and teaching environment
To encourage positive relationships based on kindness, empathy and respect
To ensure fair treatment for all regardless of ability, age, sex, or race
Show appreciation of the efforts and contributions of everyone

Children should learn to expect recognition for positive behaviour and fair and consistency applied consequences for inappropriate behaviour. Recognition and praise should be given where ever possible for both work and behaviour. These recognitions and praise could be the following.

Stickers for good behaviour (warn by the child)
Positive recognition to parents for good behaviour
House points awarded
Good behaviour notes sent home by parents
Certificates (presented in assembly)

All these policies and procedures are in place to ensure the school’s expectations and standards are met. All school’s have policies and procedures in place to support staff and children from situations such as bullying to provide a safe and secure environment for the children to learn and be happy in. children should have the right to learn in a safe, secure and anti-bullying environment and these policies help children from doing that. Behaviour policies also help in the school setting by encouraging children and staff to behave how they should and be treated how they would like to be treated I appositive way.
Reference/bibliography
www.stopbulkying.gov.uk
(5.3) Supporting a child when bullying is suspected or alleged
Within a school setting there are policies and procedures in place for the correct procedure to be followed if a child is being bullied or if bullying is suspected. As a support assistant it is very important that they are approachable so that children feel able to confide any instances of bullying. Some children who are being bullied would find it difficult and would be scared to share their feelings and to report the bullying. It is important to reassure the children that they have done the right thing in reporting the bullying, and that they will be 100% supported now that the bullying has been disclosed. Parents should be made aware of the school behaviour and anti-bullying policies to inform them of their child’s rights and the ways that the school can support them.

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When dealing with a child who is being bullied they can be upset but may not show their feelings. It is very important to take the problem seriously. The child has to be listened to and re-assured that they are doing the right thing by sharing their worries and feelings. For parents the signs to look out for if a child is being bullied are.

Coming home with damaged or missing clothes, without money they should have, or with scratches or bruises they shouldn’t have
Having trouble with homework for no apparent reason
Using a different route between home and school
Feeling irritable, easily upset or particularly emotional

What can you do if you suspect a child is being bullied?

Ask

It is often not easy for children to tell, so it’s important to ask the child about bullying. Let the child know that they can tell you if they have a problem or worries

Listen

Listen to all of what is said and do not ask further questions as this would discourage the child to open up and share their feelings

Talk

Discuss the problem with the child and how it can be resolved. The child should not be encouraged to retaliate with the bullies as there might be as risk of injury. Help the child to understand that bullying is wrong and that victims should never balme themselves when bulling takes place

Get Help

Identify the places where the bullying is happening. It is important to have the facts before raising the issue. Keep the child and parents informed of what will be happening once the bullying has been reported

Reference/bibliography
www.nhs.uk
www.bullying.co.uk