Bullying can take place anywhere, at any time, and with the rise of social media it is now occurring online too. Young people who have unfortunately experienced bullying can feel a range of emotions that can put a strain on their mental health. There may be mental health impacts for those carrying out bullying behaviours, those experiencing the bullying, and bystanders of bullying.
Bullying can increase the risk of developing mental health problems for everyone involved, particularly those experiencing bullying. It can increase the risk that someone will develop depression and anxiety in the future.
Sadly, it can also increase the risk of self-harm, suicidal thinking and suicide. It’s important that teachers and educators are aware that there are many forms of bullying which can include:
Childhood and adolescence is a time of rapid social, emotional, and physical development and change. Results from Mission Australia’s 2017 Youth Survey revealed that issues which young people felt either ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ concerned about are:
The results also showed that girls (18.4 percent) were more likely to name bullying as an issue of concern, compared to boys (11.7 percent). Other issues named as concerns in 2017, such as equity and discrimination (27.3 percent), mental health (33.7 percent) and LGBTI issues (7.1 percent) may also include aspects of bullying. Providing and promoting a range of avenues for students to discuss and seek help for the issues concerning them is an important, practical way schools can support the mental health and wellbeing of their students. It’s important that schools prevent and respond to bullying in the context of a whole school approach.
What are the warning signs that a child or young person may be experiencing bullying?
Children and young people experiencing bullying, including conflict, verbal abuse, exclusion, isolation, threats, or physical violence often need professional support. Encouraging help-seeking, and demonstrating empathy, mutual respect and positive relationships is crucial. Being informed, teaching help-seeking behaviours and empowerment is proven to reduce vulnerability to harm before it happens.
What can schools do to prevent or respond to bullying and promote respect relationships and behaviours?
It’s important for children, young people, families, and school communities to have access to resources, strategies, and counselling services to deal with face-to-face bullying
It’s important for children, young people, families, and school communities to have access to resources, strategies, and counselling services for managing cyber bullying
Guiding questions for schools to prevent and respond to bullying and safety issues and promote respectful relationships:
Counselling support:
It’s important, regardless of the issue, that schools have access to counselling and mental health services to reduce risk, promote wellbeing, and allow for early help seeking. Mental health and counselling support to support students can be internal or external to your school.
Guiding questions for your school may include:
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