Bullying can happen to anyone at anytime and any age it isn’t just something that happens to kids. With my daughter starting school soon it is something that has played on my mind as she is starting Kindy in the Education support unit. “Children with disabilities—such as physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional, and sensory disabilities—are at an increased risk of being bullied. Any number of factors— physical vulnerability, social skill challenges, or intolerant environments—may increase the risk.” (https://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/groups/special-needs) Every parent worries about their child starting school it is what we do as parents. I was bullied relentlessly as a child and even at times as an adult so having my child start school when she has some challenges already I hope she never has to go through that.
“Bullying is now regarded as a health problem and not just a disciplinary problem. Increasing evidence shows both traditional bullying (e.g. hitting, teasing) and cyber bullying have lasting effects on young people (both those who bully and those who are bullied), including damage to self-esteem, academic results and mental health.” (https://www.telethonkids.org.au/our-research/research-topics/bullying)
Last year there was a nine news exclusive interview with a mother who claimed their child was hung with a skipping rope. It was still being investigated at the time she did the interview. This happened at a primary school yes you read that right a primary school in Western Australia. It was in reports that the child had been bullied for 2 years. There was also an incident noted at a high school in Rockingham WA by a special needs child that had been constantly bullied verbally and physically to the point she had to be pulled out and home schooled.
Bullying is still happening everyday in our schools and workplaces. A study has shown that 1 in 4 Australian students experience bullying. This covers the areas of verbal, physical, social and cyber bullying. If your child is struggling with bullying they can talk to an adult they trust or they can call Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800. It is important the school is notified and an appropriate plan of action is taken and discussed with the parents of the children involved.
As adults a lot of people will not take you seriously if you use the term bullying if it has happened to you as an adult, which is just plain ignorance and shows how far we haven’t come. It is 2019 and people still ignore others asking for help or calling out bad behaviour. Even flicking from the news to a tv show like the bachelor it’s clear bullying happens at any age to anyone.
Workplace bullying is verbal, physical, social or psychological abuse by your employer (or manager), another person or group of people at work. Your employer has a legal responsibility under Occupational Health and Safety and anti-discrimination law to provide a safe workplace. Employers have a duty of care for your health and well-being whilst at work. An employer that allows bullying to occur in the workplace is not meeting this responsibility. In the case of workplace bullying it is important to talk to someone at work like HR or a manager you trust. If you do not feel comfortable doing this then there are options you can talk to your workplace health and safety authority to get advice and report bullying incidents, the Australian Human Rights Commission to get advice, or to make a complaint about discrimination, harassment and bullying covered by anti-discrimination law the union representing your industry who can give you advice on your options and your rights.
It is never ok for anyone to be bullied and it is important for the person being affected to have a voice and support.
Nadia E Westbrook Creative 