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Chat to other families
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to support families
To coincide with Anti Bullying Week 2016, a new national survey from Bullying UK finds that bullying continues to impact on the wellbeing of pupils, parents and education professionals.Data from 8,970 respondents* showed that:
Many schools are committed to tackling bullying and of those who engaged with our survey said:
When highlighting their own experiences of bullying, 82% of parents’ respondents recalled feelings of low self-esteem and lacking confidence equally. 45% had trust issues and had difficulty forming relationships.
(Teacher)"The sad thing is that we all know this goes on, we have no powers as teachers, but as a human being I try to instil in my students the effects bullying has had on people including myself as a youngster. There does not seem to be any consequences for their actions so they continue to bully. They get away with far more outside the classroom and bullying to them is just all in a 'Normal day' for them."
(Pupil) "Sarcastically calling me a sexy bitch and then touching my "bum" and looking up my skirt to the point i feel uncomfortable walking in front of them or near them."
(Parent) "He was assaulted resulting in head injuries left untreated by the school, he was told he was a boy lover, ignored by many members of his class threatened that he would be found out online."
“Our survey of close to 9,000 respondents highlights that bullying remains a key area of concern for young people, pupils, parents and education professionals and continues to impact negatively on those it affects. There needs to be a stronger partnership between parents, pupils and teachers to tackle child experiences of bullying in and beyond the school. All schools must have rigorous anti-bullying policies and procedures and concerned parents can ask their child’s school to show them what they have in place to tackle bullying. Parental engagement and an active interest in their child in the school and in the home plays a key role in improving outcomes for children. We know that barriers that prevent parents from taking on an active role in their child’s learning remain, and we are committed to working collaboratively to help families overcome those barriers. Although circumstances vary depending on the type of school, teachers tell us that the tension between a heavy workload and the demands from parents for more time-consuming forms of communications must be eased if engagement is going to improve. Schools, families and stakeholders across education must engage with each other for the benefit of the wellbeing of all.”
Parents or education professionals concerned about bullying can call Family Lives’ Helpline on 0808 800 2222 or visit www.bullying.co.uk for confidential and non-judgemental support.
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Notes to editors:
For media enquiries, contact Family Lives’ Press Office on press@familylives.org.uk
*Teachers and school staff – 378 responses
Parents and carers – 2631 responses
Children and young people – 5961 responses
Family Lives | Bullying UK | TeenBoundaries | Parenting UK | Action for Prisoners’ and Offenders’ Families
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