What is bullying?

What can we do about it?

Bullying is HUGELY on the rise, amongst young people in particular , especially since Covid.

Cyber bullying has become a significant part of that .

So much increased time on screens and the enforced of human contact have a definite part to play in this as figures have SOARED in the last couple of years.

Last week I touched on a little of the horrific cyberbullying I recently endured, but the number of young people who are filling my sessions at the moment are full of the most hurtful, humiliating, damaging stories of their own . Being bullied as a child is even scarier, and as a neurodivergent child almost impossible to navigate .

Victims are often too terrified to speak out for fear of further retribution .

Yet as adults we really do need to be aware and schools need to have firm anti bullying policies and be made to walk their talk in seeing them through .

• Keep a timeline and diary of every single act of bullying .
• If the school don’t act or make you feel like you’ve got to move your child away, take it to the governors .
• If this doesn’t work take it to the police.

In England and Wales you can receive a criminal record from the age of 10.

In some states of America it is from the age of 7.

Bullying is any or all of the following :

1. Calling names or teasing.
2. Being put down or humiliated.
3. Being threatened or intimidated.
4. Being kicked, hit of physically hurt.
5. Spreading rumours or using degrading/humiliating photos or information with the intent to harm. Spreading harmful stories.
6. Trying to control or manipulate someone
7. Setting up fake online profiles to stalk and/or harass.
8. Taking away/messing about with someone’s money or possessions .
9. Following/stalking someone.
10. Ignoring someone of leaving them out.
11. Making fun of someone.

Remember that cyber bullying is even easier to gain evidence for and the police have a duty to act.

All you need are 2 examples of harassment, stalking or the posting of malicious/untrue rumours or lies or using blackmail… and everything is retrievable even if the bully deletes it .

High Tech Police Units can retrieve it all.

As I say in this week’s YouTube video, a bully is someone who sees the potential in you which you can’t see”.

Walking away from/turning a blind eye is as bad as condoning it.

Filming it on your phone to circulate it makes you even worse .

Just remember that we are all human beings with stories and journeys inside us.

I will leave you with this ; they are all people I personally know or know of …

“The boy you punched in the hall today. He committed suicide a few minutes ago.

The boy you called lame has to work every night to supper his family.

The girl you pushed down the stairs the other day is already being abused at home.

The girl you called fat. She is starving herself.

The old man you made fun of because of his ugly scars. He fought for our country.

The boy you made fun of for crying. his mother is dying.”

Bullying will not suddenly end on Sunday.

Bullying is 365 days a year, and for many victims a loving purgatory which can lead go self-harm, severe depression and even suicide in later life.

Do you really want that on your conscience?

We need more awareness, more kindness, more humanity.

Let’s take that strong message away from this week if nothing else.

Take care everyone, Lots of love, Giuliana xx

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