Bullying behaviours are unacceptable. Bullying undermines confidence and causes misery and distress. It can affect a child or young person’s attendance and progress at school. It can also have a detrimental impact on a child’s mental health.

Fear, isolation, anxiety and diminished self-esteem can lead to self-harm, depression and suicidal thoughts or actions. Research has shown that children who are bullied and/or bully others are more likely to suffer from mental health issues.

The rise of cyberbullying is a frequent cause of emotional disturbance in children and young people. Cyberbullying is insidious; technology enables perpetrators to have the power to reach their targets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There is growing evidence of the lasting impact of childhood bullying. A recent study by the Institute of Psychiatry at Kings College, London concluded that children who are bullied, particularly those who are frequently bullied, are at risk of a range of poor outcomes into adulthood and middle age.

Source and further information: https://www.solgrid.org.uk/education/safeguarding/child-protection/issues/bullying-including-cyberbullying/.