By Clarisa

Bullying is one of the thigs many unfortunately experience at least once in their life. Although it is one of the things no one should have to experience. Bullying can happen at schools, amongst friend or in a workplace. Bullying can take many forms, such as:

This are some of the types of bullying that have been reported by Microsoft Academic-

• Verbal Bullying - This is when people use words, statements and name calling to gain power and control over the person they target They choose their targets based on the way they look, act, or behave.
• Relational Aggression - Relational bullies ostracize others from a group, spread rumors, manipulate situations, and break confidences to increase their own social standing by controlling or bullying another person.
• Cyberbullying - When someone uses the Internet, a smartphone, or other technology to harass, threaten or embarrass another person. Cyberbullies often say things that they do not have the courage to say face-to-face. Technology makes them feel anonymous, insulated, and detached from the situation.
• Sexual Bullying - Is when people use harmful, and humiliating actions that target a person sexually. Examples include sexual name-calling, vulgar gestures, uninvited touching, and pornographic materials.

According to the university of oxford this are some ways to deal with bullying-

1. Walk away - Do not fight back it is not going to help. Try to walk towards people such as teachers or anyone who you know will not put up with bullying.
2. Stay calm - The bully's goal is to get an emotional reaction out of you if you do not show you feel scared or angry, they are likely to get bored.
3. Tell someone - This is one of the most important advice anyone could give you. tell an adult you trust such as a teacher or manager. That is most likely to stop the bully as there might be a consequence for their actions.

Bullying and the Law-

The Department for Education (DFE) has produced guidance for all schools, including academies and free schools, which outlines its duties towards putting a stop to bullying.

Section 89 of the Education and Inspection Act 2006 states that “maintained schools must have measures to encourage good behavior and prevent any kind of bullying amongst pupils”. Some schools choose to include this information in their anti-bullying policy. However, other schools choose to include it in the behavior policy.

Although not all bullying is classified as a crime there are some types of bullying that are illegal and can be reported to the police. These includes bullying that involves violence, assault, theft, harassment, intimidation or abusive messages. However, one incident might not be enough for a conviction. Some cyberbullying activities could be criminal offences under a range of different laws, including the Malicious communications act 1988 and the protection from harassment act 1997.

Mental Health

It has beet stated by the child and adolescent mental health services that bullying can affect not only physical health but also emotional health. It also lowers self-esteem and confidence.   National institute of child health and human development (NICHD) research studies show that anyone involved in bullying are at increased risk for depression. bullying can affect someone not only now but even later in their life.

Being a victim of long-term bullying can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Long-term bullying is

associated with a variety of adverse consequences such as anxiety health complaints add diminished academic achievement. Furthermore, bullying can contribute to the risk of suicide and substance abuse.

In summary bullying is not an acceptable thing and he needs to stop now we do not need more people being affected mentally and physically for someone's entertainment. when you see a victim stand up for them do not be bystander you do not need to wait for someone else to help. The change starts with us. Let us put a stop to bullying together.

Helplines

Childline       08001692081

Childline is a counselling service for children and young people up to their 19th birthday in the United Kingdom provided by the NSPCC

Kidscape       02078235430

Kidscape is a London-based charity established in 1985, by child psychologist Michele Elliott. Its focus is on children's safety, with an emphasis on the prevention of harm by equipping children with techniques and mindsets that help them stay safe.