Bullying

·     One third (34.3%) of 11-17 year-olds had been bullied in the previous 12 months. 11.3% felt a lot or extremely upset when bullied.

·     Three fifths (62.8%) of young people with major depressive disorder based on self‑report had been bullied in the previous 12 months, and they were    bullied more often.

-      Three times as many (28.3% compared with 10.0% of all adolescents) were bullied every few weeks or more often.

-      Two fifths (39.4%) felt a lot or extremely upset when bullied.

Bullying definitions can vary but it is generally understood to be a repetitive and constant abuse of power intended to cause deliberate psychological or physical harm. This can be physical, verbal or social and can occur anywhere, including over text and social media. 

The phrase "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!" could not be more wrong! The effects of words can last a lifetime!

If you or your child is being bullied, please reach out to someone; a parent, teacher or trusted adult.  Bullying is a complex area and requires a combination of approaches to manage, including supporting the victim to become empowered enough to manage themself against people who might abuse their power.

Unfortunately, if your child is being bullied at school, changing schools is often not the answer. There are bullies everywhere and often the victims are placed in new schools where they have no friends to support them, only to find a new bully.

Talking to the teachers and the school in most cases can help. The teachers cannot do anything about what they don't know.