Bullying

Children's services in Barnsley can provide support and advice to children who are being bullied, or to parents or carers of a child being bullied.

We recognise that life can be a misery for any young person who is subjected to any form of bullying. Exerting power through the intimidation of others is not acceptable. Forms of bullying may include, verbal teasing, racism, physical confrontation and/or attacks, theft or destruction of property and isolation (being sent to 'Coventry' and marginalised).

Children who are recognisably different or more vulnerable often are the targets of bullying. Bullying can have a profound effect on young people and those caring for them, in children bullying can lead to self-harm, attempts at or actual suicide. These experiences may never leave a person even continuing well into adulthood, causing emotional difficulties and relationship problems.

Bullies behave in the manner they do, partly because of a lack of something in their own lives, e.g. feelings of inadequacy, unhappiness, learnt behaviour or they may have been victims themselves. Their unacceptable behaviour needs to be understood and appropriately dealt with if the cycle of bullying is to cease.

What to do if you are being bullied

Any young person should raise issues of bullying with their parents, carers, school teachers or any adult they feel they can trust.  Bullying can also be reported to the police.

Children, parents and carers can also access practical help and advice on ways in which bullying can be tackled on the Being bullied website.

Helplines

Directorate for Children, Young People and Families
Berneslai Close
Barnsley
S70 2HS
Telephone: 01226 773578

Childline
Telephone: 08001111

Samaritans
Telephone: 08457 909090

Leaflets

Leaflets can be obtained from: Wellington House, Barnsley Connects offices, school nurses, Children's Rights Services, NSPCC, schools, libraries, Surestart centres, Connexions.