No-one deserves to be bullied

Torbay Council takes bullying very seriously, and it is committed to tackling bullying in all its forms wherever it happens. We all understand that some form of bullying goes on inside and outside of school, but it’s all in the way you confront and deal with bullying that will either make your life easier or harder.

Bullying can include any of the following:

• Name calling
• Spreading false rumours about you
• Making-up stories to get you into trouble
• Poking fun of the way you act or look
• Punching, pinching, pushing, kicking and biting
• Stealing your money & belongings
• Deliberately breaking your belongings
• Threatening and intimidating you
• Making silent or abusive phone calls
• Sending you unpleasant messages by email or by text

Being bullied can be quite a terrifying experience, you might even be too scared to go to school and so keep pretending to be ill just to avoid facing them again.

What you should do if you are being bullied

If you are a victim of bullying, don’t ever keep it to yourself. Tell a close friend, brother or sister, talk to your teacher and tell your parents because it won’t stop until you do. Sometimes it can be difficult to talk to other people about this; you might actually be worried about what they’d think or say, you might even blame yourself for what’s happening? You are not to blame and you should never worry as your close friends, teachers and especially your parents / family all support you and will always be there to help.

If you really don’t think you can talk to someone about being bullied then it might be easier to write a note or letter to your parents explaining how you feel, or even writing to someone like a grandparent, uncle, aunt or cousin and ask them to help you explain to your parents.

Your teacher will need to know if you are being bullied, so try to find some time to talk to them especially when it won’t be noticeable. You could always stay behind with an excuse for help with some work?

What can I do if my child is being bullied?

It is very upsetting for a parent if they find out their child is being bullied. It is very easy to get angry - however, it is important to stay calm. Encourage your child to talk to you about what’s happening and listen carefully. Don’t get angry with your child or blame them for what’s happening.

If your child is being bullied at school, make an appointment to see the appropriate person. Although you may wish to see someone straight away, it is not always possible and having an appointment means that time is set aside to discuss this important matter. In primary school, it may be the class teacher, SENCo, head teacher or deputy head teacher. In secondary school, it may be the form tutor, Head of Year or Head of Key Stage. It may be a member of the senior leadership team.

Try to remain calm when you are explaining what the problem is. It might help to take some notes with you. Ask your child before you go to the school for details such as name(s) of the child / children doing the bullying, the times the bullying happens and where it happens. Arrange to keep in contact with someone at the school so that you can monitor the situation.

Useful Contacts

• Anti-Bullying Campaign - 0207 378 1446
• Childline - 0800 1111 (Confidential freephone line for children in trouble or danger)
• Children's Legal Centre - 0207 359 6251 (Advice on Children's rights)
• Child Protection Helpline - 0800 800500
• EACH - 0800 8100 0143 (Helpline for victims of homophobic bullying)
• Kidscape - 0207 730 3300 (Bullying Counsellor Available)
• NSCPP - 0800 800500
• Parentline Plus - 0808 800 2222
• Samaritans Torbay - 01803 299999 (Local)
• Samaritans Linkline - 0345 909090 (National)
• Victim Support Scheme - 0177 963 1114