What is Bullying?
The Lincolnshire Children’s Services Anti Bullying Strategy defines bullying as
Behaviour by an individual or group, usually repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally
Bullying can take place between individuals or groups; face to face, indirectly or using a range of cyber bullying methods, the recognised categories are:
- Direct physical bullying:
Hitting, kicking, pushing, taking or hiding/damaging belongings including money - Direct verbal bullying:
Name calling, teasing, insulting, using verbal threats - Indirect Bullying:
Looks, social exclusion, spreading rumours, gossiping, and graffiti
Cyber bullying is a more recent problem that has come about through the increased use of mobile phones and the Internet. It can be an extension of face to face bullying, with technology providing the person who bullies with another route to harass their target. However it differs in several significant ways from other kinds of bullying: the invasion of home and personal space; the difficulty in controlling electronically circulated messages; the size of the audience; and the perceived anonymity. It may also involve the misuse of associated technology such as cameras and video facilities.
Cyber Bullying can be defined as:
The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), particularly mobile phones and the Internet, deliberately to upset someon
Why Does Bullying Happen?
Children and Young People are bullied for a variety of reasons; vulnerable groups are particularly at risk of bullying.
National Context
Tackling bullying has been identified as a key priority by Government for many years and this looks likely to continue with the new coalition Government.
Local Context
Lincolnshire have implemented strategies to combat and prevent bullying with an emphasis on promoting self confidence and self esteem.
