Parents & Carers
Every November, we take part in Anti-Bullying Week. This is an opportunity to highlight the issue of bullying behaviour and consider how we can work together to stop it.
Anti-Bullying Week 2023 is taking place from Monday 13th to Friday 17th November and this year’s theme is ‘Make a Noise’.
It may feel like our children seem do the opposite of what we say and do, but deep down, they are soaking up our actions like a sponge. So if we want our children to speak out against bullying behaviour and support others who are affected by it, that means we have to set a good example.
Bullying behavior is a serious issue that affects countless children and teenagers every day. As parents, it’s our responsibility to make a stand against it and protect our children. By raising our voices and taking action, we can create a safer and more inclusive environment for our children.
Let’s Make a Noise about bullying behavior and send a clear message that it won’t be tolerated:
- Open Communication: Start by fostering open communication with your child. Let them know that they can talk to you about anything, including bullying. Encourage them to share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. By listening attentively, you create a safe space for them to confide in you.
- Know the Signs: Educate yourself about the signs of bullying behaviour. Be vigilant and look out for any changes in your child’s behavior, such as sudden withdrawal, anxiety, or a decline in academic performance. Sometimes, children may not directly disclose bullying, so it’s crucial to recognise these subtle signs.
- Teach Empathy: Teach your child about empathy and kindness from an early age. Encourage them to understand and appreciate differences in others. Instill in them the importance of treating everyone with respect and compassion.
- Encourage Upstanders: Empower your child to be an upstander, not a bystander. Teach them that they have the power to make a positive difference by standing up against bullying behaviour when they witness it. Discuss scenarios with them and brainstorm appropriate ways to intervene safely.
- Work with Schools: Reach out to your child’s school and establish a strong partnership with teachers and administrators. Attend parent-teacher meetings and ask about the school’s anti-bullying policies and programmes. If your child is affected by bullying behaviour, work with the school to find a solution.
- Raise Awareness: Use your voice to Make a Noise and raise awareness about bullying. Share informative articles, participate in local anti-bullying initiatives, and engage with online communities dedicated to this cause. Social media can be a powerful tool to spread awareness.
- Encourage Peer Support: Encourage your child to seek support from trusted friends or mentors if they are experiencing bullying. Friends can provide emotional support and help them navigate difficult situations.
- Seek Professional Help: If your child is struggling with the effects of bullying behaviour, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Visit our Talk2Us page for further information.
- Set a Positive Example: Children learn by example, so model the behavior you want to see. Demonstrate kindness, empathy, and respect in your own interactions with others. Show your child how to handle conflicts peacefully and respectfully.
- Keep the Conversation Alive: Bullying behaviour is an ongoing issue, and it’s essential to keep the conversation alive. Check in with your child regularly and stay informed about their experiences at school and online. Together, we can make a collective noise against bullying behavior and create a safer world for our children.
If you need further help and support, we have a wealth of information in the parent section of our website and our mentors are also available to chat to you by email. Take a look at our downloads page for some information and activity sheets.
Help us Make a Noise this anti-bullying week, and together, if we challenge it, we can change it.