Dyspraxia Foundation West Norfolk

Discoverers Club Section

Advice on Bullying

Facts:

  • Every school has to have a bullying policy by law
  • At school the Head teacher is loco parentis and has a responsible duty to the child
  • Any child of 10 years or over is considered criminally responsible for their actions if injury is caused
  • You have a legal right to be given a copy of your child's school record. This will record achievements as well as bullying incidents

Bullying Statistics:

  • 59% of reported bullying incidents were of a mental/emotional nature
  • 64% of parents seeking help from 'Bullying on Line' had already approached the school and felt they had been ëfobbed offí
  • 6% of parents who approached the police were told the perpetrator was too young and therefore above the law

Advice to Parents:

  • Stay Calm. If you storm into the school, you may find yourself banned from the premises or in trouble with the police!
    Approach your child's teacher in a non-conformational manner. Explain your fears and concerns and tell them where your child is being bullied. Ask the teacher to supervise these areas. Ask the teacher what his suggestions are for sorting the situation out
  • Start keeping a diary of events and incidents

If it does not stop write a letter to the school asking for action to be taken. Ask them to supervise the bully, not your child, others may also be getting bullied and the teachers may catch him red handed DO NOT confront the bullying child's Parents, it could lead to conflict. In the Dyscoverers club where I am Project Leader, it is estimated that 8 out of 10 of the children with Dyspraxia are the Victims of bullying. So:

What can you do...
In the Dyscoverers club where I am Project Leader, it is estimated that 8 out of 10 of the children with Dyspraxia have been the victims of bullying. So:

  • Tell your Mum or Dad or teacher, School Nurse, Aunt etc. Anyone you can trust. Ask for help and write down what is going on and who is bullying you
  • On the bus, sit near the driver or another adult
  • If you see others being bullied, tell someone, they need help
  • Try not to make eye contact with the bully and say......"Yeah...what ever"...when they taunt you
  • If you are receiving text messages that are unpleasant, tell your parents, this is a criminal offence
  • Think how others see you, Walk tall and don't let them think they scare you even though they really do. It may just stop them from making a smart comment

And above all, love yourself, you are special and always remember, you are so much Better than they are!