Anti Bullying Week 2020

This week is National Anti-Bullying Week, and we've been taking part by raising awareness via social media.

At My Primary Tutor, a child's right to live their life in the way that they choose is something that is key to our philosophy, and we feel very passionately that educators have a big part to play in teaching children tolerance and compassion.

For parents of a child who is being bullied, the feeling of powerlessness that comes with it can be awful, and we want to use our blog space this week to give some advice - and to let you know that if your child is suffering from bullying in any part of their life, you are not alone - we are always here and can lend a sympathetic ear, or help in any way that you need.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance has a fantastic website with lots of great advice. This is what they say about parenting a child who is being bullied:

• Listen and reassure them that coming to you was the right thing to do. Try and establish the facts. It can be helpful to keep a diary of events to share with the school or college.

• Assure them that the bullying is not their fault and that they have family that will support them. Reassure them that you will not take any action without discussing it with them first.

• Don't encourage retaliation to bullying. It's important for children to avoid hitting or punching an abusive peer. Reacting that way has negative and unpredictable results- they may be hurt even further, and find that they are labelled as the problem. Rather suggest that they walk away and seek help.

• Find out what your child wants to happen next. Help to identify the choices open to them; the potential next steps to take; and the skills they may have to help solve the problems.

• Encourage your child to get involved in activities that build their confidence and esteem, and help them to form friendships outside of school (or wherever the bullying is taking place).

• Discuss the situation with your child's teacher or Headteacher - or the lead adult wherever the bullying is taking place. Every child has a right to a safe environment in which to learn and play. Schools must have a behaviour policy which sets out the measures that will be taken to prevent all forms of bullying between pupils.

Remember - we are here to help you. If you need advice or just someone to talk to, do get in touch and we will do all we can to help you to resolve the situation.