Kindness is more important today than it ever has been, with the isolation of the last year highlighting to us how little acts of consideration can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us. This is one of the reasons why the theme of this year’s anti-bullying week is ‘One Kind Word’.
“In a world that can sometimes feel like it’s filled with negativity, one kind word can provide a moment of hope. It can be a turning point. It can change someone’s perspective. It can change their day. It can change the course of a conversation and break the cycle of bullying.”
https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/anti-bullying-week-2021-one-kind-word
One kind word will lead to another, so make sure to just spread positivity. There is a strong link between mental health and bullying. Young people who have experienced bullying are more likely to experience mental health issues and those who have mental health issues are more likely to be bullied.
Bullying has a significant impact on a child’s life and can last well into adulthood. Adults who were bullied as children are more likely to:
- Experience a range of mental health issues
- Earn less money
- Be unemployed
- Leave school with no qualifications
- Not be in a stable relationship
- Be obese
Examples of bullying include:
- Verbal or physical threats and intimidation.
- Persistent negative comments.
- Humiliating someone in front of others.
- Unjustified persistent criticism.
- Offensive or abusive personal remarks.
- Constantly changing targets in order to cause someone to fail.
- Making false allegations.
- Grooming using the internet and chat rooms.
- Monitoring unnecessarily and obtrusively.
- Unwanted banter
If you need to talk to someone regarding your safety or being bullied, harassed, or even feeling uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to call our safeguarding officer, David on 07467952373