Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Hidden misery of bullying exposed
Half of children too scared to be themselves
ALMOST half of school children in Northern Ireland would “hide aspects of themselves” to avoid being ridiculed, it has been revealed.
The figures were released ahead of Anti-bullying Week in which campaigners are “urging schools and youth groups to celebrate what makes pupils unique”.
The Northern Ireland Antibullying Forum, made up of statutory and non-statutory groups, found three-quarters of kids in Northern Ireland have “come across someone being bullied for being ‘different’ from others”.
And 44% would “hide aspects of themselves” for fear of being singled out.
A total of 2,000 eight to 16-yearolds in the UK (including 100 here) were questioned for the study.
Regional co-ordinator Rosanna Jack said the week is a key part of the school calendar, especially in light of 55% of children worried about being seen as “different”.
She added: “It is a time to acknowledge bullying behaviour is an issue and affects many children and young people at school, in youth groups and other settings.
“It is also a time to promote awareness of the issue and empower young people with good policy and practice.
“Children need to feel confident and supported in understanding and reporting bullying behaviour.
“They need to know adults will work with them to end it.
“That is why the Northern Ireland Anti-bullying Forum provides a free resource pack to schools and youth organisations across Northern Ireland, which includes presentations, assembly plans, project briefs and themed posters.
“Resources are designed to stimulate conversation and debate, empowering children to know what bullying is, how to spot it and what to do should they or their friends experience it.”
The campaign will be launched today at Belfast City Hall and includes awards celebrate a creative arts competition highlighting the drive.
The also found 60% of kids here would speak out about others being targeted despite any fears about being targeted as a result,
Ms Jack said: “Children worry about many things that might make them ‘stand out’ including appearance, disability, culture, or religion.
“It is so important we celebrate things that make us all different.”
For more information visit www.endbullying.org.uk.