Anti-Bullying advice and support for parents and tips for keeping safe online
Guidance for Parents on Bullying
- You may not recognise that your child is being bullied. However, changes in their manner, behaviour and general state of health can sometimes be explained by bullying.
- Encourage your child to talk about it, but be patient. It is quite natural for him or her not to want to discuss the matter and not to want you to do anything about it.
- Listen and try not to interrupt.
- Reassure them that you are sympathetic and that it is a problem that can be solved. It happens to most people at some time.
- Ask him or her if there are ways of changing things and help them to try to develop strategies to cope, strategies which should then be practised.
- Try to keep the situation in proportion and so remain good-humoured.
- Encourage your child to talk to their form teacher or tutor about the matter.
- You should feel free to contact your child’s teacher to discuss the matter if you are concerned.
The school has a comprehensive Anti-Bullying policy which can be read by clicking on the link below.
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
There are various organisations that can give parents advice about bullying:
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Contact a Family 0808 808 3555 – can offer information and advice to parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities on a range of issues including bullying.
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Family Lives (previously Parentline Plus) 0808 800 2222 for immediate support and advice for parents, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Kidscape 08451 205 204 – A helpline for parents and carers of bullied children is available Mon - Tues: 10am to 8pm; Weds - Fri: 10am to 4pm
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The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) Provides help and advice on cyber-bullying, the Centre maintains a website for children and young people, and parents and carers about staying safe online.
(List taken from the Anti-Bullying Alliance)
Guidance for Parents on Internet Safety
- Only talk to people you know and trust in real life
- Don't give away personal information to strangers - like what street you live on, or where you go to school. Say "no" if they ask you to share photos or videos of yourself
- Set your profiles to private
- Be 'share aware' - once you share something online, you've got no control over what anyone else does with it. It is illegal to take, share or view sexual images of under-18s.
- Be mindful of your digital footprint - it could come back later in life – like when you apply for a college place or job.
- If you see something upsetting, or someone bullies you, tell an adult you trust
- Don't assume everything you see is true to life. People often make their lives look more exciting online!
- Watch out for hoaxes and scams, like messages you're asked to pass on or that ask you for payment details or passwords
- Be wary of schemes that promise easy cash in return for you receiving and transferring money, and don't be fooled by anything that glamorises gang lifestyles
- Watch out for loot boxes or other ways that games get you to pay - before you know it you can spend a lot on them
Helpful Articles From The CEOP
HAVING A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR CHILD
ONLINE GROOMING: HOW DOES IT WORK?
KEEPING YOUR UNDER 5S SAFE ONLINE
SHARING PICTURES OF YOUR CHILDREN ONLINE
GAMING: WHAT PARENTS AND CARERS NEED TO KNOW
O2 and NSPCC have created Net Aware, a practical and simple guide to the latest social networks, apps and games kids are using.