Every October, National Bullying Prevention Month reminds us how important it is to create a safe, supportive space for all students. Bullying—whether physical, verbal, social or online—can cause serious emotional and mental harm. That’s why it’s so important for schools, parents and students to work together to stop it. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what bullying is, how to prevent it and how to spot the signs early so we can all ensure no one faces it alone.
What is Bullying?
Bullying occurs when someone repeatedly tries to hurt or control another person, either through their actions or words. Bullying can take many forms, including:
- Physical bullying: Hitting, kicking, pushing or damaging someone’s belongings.
- Verbal bullying: Name-calling, insults or making inappropriate and hurtful comments.
- Social bullying: Excluding someone from a group, spreading rumours or encouraging others to shun a peer.
- Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms—social media, texts or emails—to send hurtful messages, spread rumours or post things online to embarrass or upset someone.
While all forms of bullying are harmful, the rise of cyberbullying has added new challenges for schools and families, as it often happens outside school hours and in spaces where adults may not be present.
How to Combat Bullying
Creating a safe, bullying-free environment starts with a clear commitment from schools, teachers and students to stand against it. Here are several effective ways to combat it:
- Create a culture of kindness and inclusion: Schools should work towards fostering a positive climate where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is prioritised. This could include kindness programmes, peer monitoring and school-wide campaigns that encourage students to look out for one another.
- Implement clear anti-bullying policies: Schools need clear, consistently enforced rules about bullying, both in person and online. Students should know what constitutes bullying and understand the consequences.
- Encourage open communication: Teachers and staff should create an environment where students feel comfortable reporting bullying incidents. This can be reinforced by anonymous reporting systems that allow students to alert adults without fear of retaliation.
- Bystander intervention training: Schools should equip students with the skills to safely intervene or seek help. Bystanders can play a powerful role in stopping bullying when they refuse to support it and stand up for victims.
- Offer support: It’s important to remember that both the person being bullied and the person doing the bullying need support. Bullies often act out due to underlying issues like insecurity, problems at home or peer pressure. Counselling services, conflict resolution and social-emotional learning (SEL) can help address these root causes.
Spotting the Signs of Bullying
Recognising the signs of bullying can sometimes be difficult, as it often happens away from the eyes of adults or in subtle ways. However, by being observant and compassionate, we can all help support someone who may be struggling. Whether you’re a teacher, parent or peer, paying attention to changes in mood and behaviour can make a big difference.
Here are a few things to look out for:
- Emotional changes: Someone experiencing bullying might seem more withdrawn, anxious or easily upset. They may become unusually quiet, or the opposite—displaying sudden outbursts of anger or frustration.
- Avoidance behaviours: A person who is being bullied might start avoiding certain places or activities, like school, break times or social events. They may express reluctance or fear about interacting with certain people.
- Physical complaints: Stress from bullying can manifest as frequent complaints of headaches, stomach aches or feeling unwell, especially when it’s time to attend school or participate in group/social activities.
- Changes in social behaviour: You might notice someone withdrawing from friends or becoming more isolated. They may seem lonely or spend more time alone than they used to. They may also appear more secretive about their online activity.
- Decline in school performance: Bullying can impact concentration and motivation, leading to drops in academic or extracurricular performance. If someone is struggling more than usual with their work, it may be because they are dealing with emotional stress.
Final Thoughts
Bullying is not something anyone should have to face alone, and it’s up to all of us and the wider school community to foster a space where everyone feels safe and valued. By staying informed, showing compassion and intervening early, we can create an environment where bullying is less likely to take root. A kind word, a listening ear or a simple act of inclusion can make all the difference to someone feeling isolated or hurt.
Further Information and Resources