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Hello,
It’s Heather here today. I’m sure many of you saw across social media it was anti-bullying week last week. A lot of schools and places of education will have mentioned this I’m sure, as places still strive to end bullying.
Bullying is something which is not tolerated in our work place and although the majority agree with the campaign to end bullying, some people unfortunately are still exposed to this horrendous behaviour and are put in situations they never should be.
As well as schools, lots of work places also took part in ‘Odd Socks Day’. Odd Sock Day was founded in 2017 and revolves around people wearing odd socks, it is a celebration of accepting any kind of differences and is a statement about being kind to people instead of bullying them for being unique.
As much as institutions try to eradicate bad behaviour, bullying is still prevalent in many places and if you, yourself, are experiencing bullying then I will attach some help lines and online information and safe spaces for you. Something important is to stand up to bullying. If one of your friends is picking on someone, saying mean comments, or sending messages take a moment to evaluate the situation and realise they aren’t the type of people you want to surround yourself with. Tell your mate if they’ve said something out of order, let a teacher, or adult know if somethings going on. Would you want yourself, one of your friends, or even your kids to be going through this? If the answer is no then find how you can help. Do not just stand back and ignore the bad behaviour.
Here are some websites you can visit if you, or someone you know and care about are being bullied:
Young Minds, advice for young adults, and parents and carers: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/bullying/
NSPCC, advice for parents and carers: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/bullying-and-cyberbullying/
Kidscape, advice for young adults: https://www.kidscape.org.uk/advice/advice-for-young-people/dealing-with-bullying/
Some UK phone numbers you can use:
Kidscape, Parent Advice Line– phone and WhatsApp: 07496 682785
Childline, free 24 hours a day: 0800 1111
EACH, a free helpline for children experiencing homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic bullying or harassment: 0808 1000 143 (Mon – Fri, 10am – 5pm)
National Bullying Helpline, Free helpline: 0300 323 0169 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm)
ACAS, For adults experiencing bullying in the work place: 0300 123 1100
If you are being bullied, no matter your age, I hope you manage to find the support you deserve and are soon away from the horrible, unfair environment you are currently in. Remember to be kind to yourself, and others, and do whatever you can to keep your mental health and wellbeing positive. You will be in a different environment with time. Keep on pushing through, there is help out there.
From,
Heather.
You can find me on
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherstewart_va/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherSt_VA
