What I think should be done to stop bullying
by Council Member 3 – Katie Wardlaw

Bullying is a very serious issue and isn’t uncommon. It happens all over the world and however mild or severe it is, it needs to be stopped!

Most victims of bullying are too afraid to tell someone because of what the bully might do. I personally understand why they are afraid, but they have to be brave and get the help they need. I think every school should have an anti-bullying scheme making sure that:

• There is an experienced teacher or helper a victim can go to, to talk to, for when they are ready to get help.
• There are security cameras all around the school and in the grounds, just in case an incident occurs and evidence is needed.
• There are leaflets offering advice to students who are victims or know someone who is a victim.
• There is a strict no-bullying rule outlining clearly what will be done if you are caught bullying, so that bullies understand the consequences of their actions if they choose to bully.
• There is a place where students can go at lunch and break, where they can relax and have fun, but is always supervised so victims can have fun and still feel safe.

Bullying needs to be stopped, no matter whether it is psychological, physical, emotional, cyber or racist!

How can you tell if someone you know if being bullied?

Being bullied is horrible for the victim to have to endure, no matter what type it is. Every victim reacts differently to being bullied. Some get angry, some cry, some become quiet and withdrawn and some pretend nothing is wrong.

It is difficult to tell whether someone is being bullied or not. There are lots of different signs you can notice that you can look for if you are worried about a family member or friend being bullied.

Some signs of bullying are:

Changes in behaviour When someone is being bullied, sometimes their behaviour can change, such as becoming more withdrawn from others and becoming depressed and less socially active.

Signs of physical harm to the body Physical bullying is not uncommon and when someone is being physically bullied they tend to try and hide the marks and when questioned on them, lie about how they got them or avoid the question.

Stopped coming in to school Sometimes when someone is being bullied, they stop coming into school and pretend they are not well a lot as they are frightened of what might happen if they attend school.

Falling behind in school work When someone is being bullied, sometimes they can find it hard to concentrate as they are scared and worrying about the bullying. Their school work can therefore suffer.

Lose their appetite or start to overeat Sometimes to comfort them children will start to overeat or if they are too anxious and preoccupied will not eat. Also if someone is being bullied about their weight, some tend to stop eating in a bid to get thinner, quicker as they think this will stop the bullying.

If you are worried about your family member or friend being bullied, then make sure they know you are there for them and are willing to talk to them at any time. Also tell someone you and her/him both trust about the bullying so you can get the bullying stopped. Whatever you do, don’t encourage the bullies and stand by your family member or friend.

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