Bullying: Who, What, Why & how can we stop it? Researched, designed and narrated by Sarah Campbell Over the next few minutes we will be taking a look at bullying in early childhood education and how we can work together to reduce bullying, increase positivity and create a safe, secure environment for your child in care.

Bullying: Your thoughts and ideas There are many ways in which a child can be bullied. Some are more apparent than others. People tend to recognise physical and verbal bullying as it occurs, however sometimes the most painful forms of bullying are not so apparent. Bullying such as Excluding one child from a group Inviting the ‘unwanted’ child into a game or scenario but only including them in a demeaning way (such as being the families pet dog that is left outside, or made to eat from a bowl on the floor) Chinese whispers, and telling ‘fibs’ about certain people

Who is bullied? Bullying often happens to common groups of people, such as people with disabilities, people of differing races or religion and new people when first joining the group Even though the common groups are often targeted, many bullies will wait till an individual from the group is alone to confront them Bullying happens almost everywhere. Anyone can be a target. Who is the bully? A child bully is often bigger and more confident than others. They may also be a very energetic child that finds it hard to focus. An adult bully can often be a ‘quiet’ bully. Spreading rumors or placing another individual in an awkward position for their own benefit. Why? The bully often is a victim themselves. Bullied by an older child, neighbour or parent. The victim often lacks confidence in themselves. They feel they deserve the bullying, and have low self-worth.

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Identifying ‘unwanted’ behaviours: Look for triggers Be aware of patterns in behaviour Is it a ‘group act’ or initiated by one child? Document as many actions as you can, include day, time, environment Resolving issues: Talk to children in groups Create ‘social stories’ the class can read together Facilitate communication between the bully and the victim Reviewing strategies: Was this a successful management plan? What can we learn from this? What else could I have done to prevent this from occuring? Work together (parents & teachers) to provide a consistent routine/environment Praising positive changes: Catch them doing the ‘right thing’ Role model appropriate behaviours Encourage children to praise each other when they see positive changes Use a reward system (where appropriate)

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Bullying: Who, What, Why & how can we stop it? Presentation by Sarah Campbell, November 2011

Double click the icon to watch a short (53sec) animation about bullying. After watching the animation, discuss as a group how each of these people may have felt: Child being bullied The bully The bullied child’s concerned parent; and The teacher 1 2 ACTIVITY

Identify ‘unwanted’ behaviours Resolve issues Review strategies Praise positive changes