Working to tackle bullying
Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Recent research by the NSPCC revealed that 49 per cent of children and young people are worried about being bullied and that young people were reluctant to talk to their parents about concerns such as bullying for fear of not being believed. Out-of-school provision is not exempt from the dangers of bullying, indeed the potential for bullying to occur can be greater in the less structured environment of the club than in the classroom.
Out-of-school provision is not exempt from the dangers of bullying, indeed the potential for bullying to occur can be greater in the less structured environment of the club than in the classroom.
Working closely with parents, children and staff to establish a strong anti-bullying policy is essential - if possible linking with local schools to ensure that playworkers and teachers can work together to tackle any problems.
Building close relationships with children is at the heart of working with children out of school. Out-of-school workers will also help children build friendships by providing opportunities to be together and to share common interests. Encouraging and enabling children and young people to learn positive ways of tackling difficult situations - through negotiation and compromise - are also crucial skills that children can learn out of school.
Ensuring that out-of-school providers play an integral part in wider anti-bullying strategies alongside schools will be crucial.
