PAPER D
ANTI-BULLYING INITIATIVES
REPORT TO COMMISSION FOR CHILDREN AND SCHOOL RESULTS
DECEMBER 2005
“Bullying is a behaviour which can be defined as the repeated attack, physical, psychological which is formally or situationally defined with the intention of causing distress for their own gain or gratification” (Besaq 1989)
The National Context
At a National level, as recognised by the DfES, there are serious concerns about the pervasive nature of bullying. The DfES launched the Anti-Bullying Charter in November 2003.
DfES – key findings;
n Over half of primary (51%) and secondary (54%) school pupils thought that bullying was a ‘big problem’ or ‘quite a problem’ in their school.
n Over 51% of Year 5 pupils reported they had been bullied during the term compared with 28% in Year 8.
n Over 60% of pupils thought their school was very good or quite good at dealing with bullying
n Within schools some teachers were seen as dealing with bullying better than others; they were perceived to be better listeners, taking firm but fair action.
The most common forms of bullying identified were:
n Name calling
n Physical aggression
n Social isolation as a result of ‘gossip’
n A minority of pupils reported sexist, racist and anti-gay abuse
n Electronic communication was also emerging as an increased form of bullying – this appears now to have become a significant issue and anonominity makes it difficult to deal with.
Most recently the Children’s Commissioner Al Ainsley-Green has commented upon the need to focus attention on bullying issues and for schools to take the issue of bullying seriously.
The Local Context
Local research with young people has indicated that young people are equally concerned about issues of bullying with high numbers indicating they have either bullied others or have been bullied themselves. 19% of young people from a survey of 1184 indicated they had been bullied. (Source: ERIC Survey 2001).
A further survey in 2003 as part of the ‘Big Day Out’ where 361 young people responded bullying was highlighted as a concern to 65 of respondents (17%). In October 2004 22% of 148 young people aged 5 – 19 thought bullying was a concern.
This pattern of response is repeated in other consultations and surveys undertaken with young people.
In response to those concerns and to provide advice to schools, in terms of policy development and subsequent actions, the Local Authority has supported a number of developments.
In 2001 the Authority produced guidance for schools relating to policy development and practical steps which could be taken on issues relating to bullying.
Through 2003/4 training in ‘protective behaviours’ has been available to school staff to enable them to work with groups of pupils in enhancing their skills in for example, self assertiveness in order that they have a greater knowledge base and resilience to deal with those who might bully.
In November 2004 many schools undertook activities in response to the National Anti-Bullying week.
In January 2005 a cross agency working group was established involving police, Local Authority, Connexions, voluntary and community sector to consider ways of joining services to develop a more pro-active approach to respond to the concerns expressed by young people and parents via an advice and helpline.
In July 2005 this group produced a strategy document relating to bullying and to the development of a helpline.
In September 2005 the helpline was launched followed by a conference to raise awareness of bullying in October.
As part of the National Anti-bullying week (21 – 25 November) the Local Authority has launched a poetry event to enable young people to write about their experiences of bullying.
In December 2005 a National expert and trainer will be working with senior school staff and central LA support staff on looking at how to deal with bullying in the school context.
It is planned that this work will be followed up in the Spring term to ensure these approaches are increasingly embedded into school practice.
Conclusion
The Local Authority, with partners, has recognised the increasing concerns associated with bullying.
The impact of bullying upon some young people is such that the can result in non-school attendance and in some instances mental health issues through depression or self harm.
Minimising the impact of bullying; providing better awareness of bullying issues and giving students and staff the necessary skills to tackle bullying effectively are a part of the solution to help young people become more resilient in the face of difficulties and more tolerant when feeling frustrated.
Attached as Annex A: Anti-bullying Helpline and Strategy
Reference: Tackling Bullying, DfES publication 2003
For further information, please contact:
Rob Faulkner
Head of Pupil Services
( 823458