NSPCC warns bullying doesn't stop when school stops

By Hannah Spratt

The NSPCC’s Childline service in Northern Ireland is reminding children and parents that just because it’s the middle of the school holidays, there is often no holiday from bullying for the many children who experience this misery.

Childline’s counsellors are increasingly finding that with the growth of social media and children’s ability to remain connected to peers at all times via mobile devices, bullying is becoming a 24/7 issue.

Bullying was the fourth most common reason for children to contact the free and confidential helpline in 2015-16.

A spokesperson for Childline said: spokesperson for  NSPCC in Northern Ireland said: “Online bullying is one of the biggest child protections challenges of this generation. It is a problem intensified by the ever-increasing presence of the internet. Years ago a child could escape their bullies when they left the playground and get some respite in the safety of their home, now the 24/7 nature of the internet means that a child can be targeted around the clock.

“Bullying, regardless of whether it occurs online or in person can have a devastating impact on a young person, affecting their self-worth, leave them feeling isolated and potentially being a trigger for depression.”

“We receive  a lot of contacts about bullying, in particular from children aged 11 and under. Last year,  Childline  carried out 318 counselling sessions with  children from Northern Ireland who were experiencing bullying - including online bullying. Bullying can happen to anyone at any age. No one has the right to hurt you or make you feel bad and if you are being bullied you don't have to put up with it, you can talk to someone about it. You are not alone – Childline can help.”

If a child is being bullied, Childline counsellors advise them to:

• Tell someone – speak to a friend, parent/guardian or someone they trust. Even if they’re not ready to take it further they can offer them support.
• Find a way to stay safe – stay away from people known to be involved in bullying, if bullying happens on the way home make sure they’re accompanied or get a lift.
• Block the bully – make sure they don’t have access to social media accounts and don’t reply to any abusive messages as this can make the situation worse.
• Build self-esteem – it is easy to start believing that the insults are true, even though they are not. Getting confidence back can help children deal with bullying.