THE NSPCC and Childline want children and young people across Wales to know that they are not alone and that they have someone to talk or turn to if they have any worries about bullying.
It is heart-breaking to know that last year more than 500 children and young people in Wales contacted Childline due to concerns about bullying.
This week is ‘Anti-Bullying Week’ which runs from Monday 11 November to Friday 15 November.
We know that 501 youngsters from Wales contacted the free and confidential NSPCC-supported counselling service last year about bullying – which is a rise on the previous year of almost 28 percent.
The majority of those contacts from Wales – nearly 85 per cent – related to concerns about bullying which were not online.
It can be difficult for children to know where to start with helping someone who is being bullied.
Bullying, whether it happens online or offline, can take over a child’s world and have a devastating impact on them and their family, leading in some cases to serious mental health problems and even suicide.
Every year at Childline, we provide support to hundreds of young people who are struggling with bullying and have nowhere else to turn.
This ‘Anti-Bullying Week’ we want to remind young people how important it is to talk to someone they trust – be it a friend, parent, teacher or a Childline counsellor.
We are also encouraging children to remember that just a few words of support can make a massive difference to a friend who is being bullied.
The new Childline ‘#IGotYou’ campaign encourages young people to remember that just a few words of support can make a massive difference, whether the bullying is happening offline or online.
- Let them know you’re there for them,
- Help them to get support,
- Think before you like or comment on something,
- Help to distract them.
Any child who has concerns about bullying can contact Childline (0800 1111) or look at our advice pages on the Childline website.
We also have some advice for carers, guardians and parents who may have concerns or worries about a child or young person with regards to bullying.
- Talk to your child about bullying and cyberbullying,
- Let them know who to ask for help,
- Help them relax and take a time out,
- Report bullying on social media and online gaming,
- Report bullying videos shared online,
- Talk to your child’s school or club.
The NSPCC, in partnership with 02, runs an advice line (0808 800 5002) for parents with questions about how to protect their children online – our experts can advise on privacy settlings, parental controls or how to have conversations about bullying online.
Parents can also visit the NSPCC and O2’s Net Aware website which explores the most popular apps and games, featuring helpful safety tips and feedback from both parents and children.
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