Children bullied at school feel safer learning from home says Devon based headteacher of online school as Anti-Bullying Week approaches
Twenty three percent of schoolchildren are frequently bullied according to a survey conducted by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA).
But bullying doesn’t stop at the school gate, says Lisa Boorman, headteacher of Queen’s Online School, who is seeing an increase in Year 7 to 11 pupils joining her new online school.
“For many of our students going to mainstream secondary school created such anxiety that they were unable to go back to school,” she explained. “This is why many children feel safer learning from home,” explained Ms Boorman who was headteacher of a Devon secondary school for 10 years before setting up Queen’s Online School.
A survey of 45,000 pupils aged 4 to 18, by the ABA, official organisers of Anti-Bullying Week (Nov 10-14) showed that one in five school pupils experience frequent face-to face bullying. Rates are much higher for those with special educational needs or disabilities and for children who get free school meals.
This year’s theme for Anti-Bullying Week is Power for Good, encouraging people to speak out, support others, and build a world where kindness wins.
The week will kick off with Odd Socks Day on Monday 10th, with adults and children being encouraged to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes each person unique.
The Anti-Bullying Alliance says both those who are bullied and those who report being the bully have poor experiences of school.
This is echoed by Ms Boorman who says this is why many children feel safer learning from home.
“Bullying doesn’t stop at the school gate anymore. Mobile phones extend bullying 24/7 and can widen the circle of people involved. This is why home-based structured learning is a sanctuary for some children.”
As a former headteacher of a mainstream secondary school Ms Boorman says it's common for children not to tell anyone they are being bullied but there are signs parents can look out for.
“Parents know their children best so be aware of any changes to their behaviour, or if something seems wrong.
“Maybe they suddenly don’t want to go to school, have an unexplained tummy ache or headache or are upset on a Sunday evening or at the end of a school holiday or are just quieter than normal.
“Alternatively, they could be acting up more, getting into trouble, missing belongings, leaving for school earlier and getting home later.”
Leading children’s charity, the NSPCC says choosing the right time to talk to your child about bullying is important.
- Choose the right time. Make sure you can give your child your full attention. They might feel more comfortable talking in the car when you’re not looking directly at them. Or they might prefer to do it at home. Be led by how they’re feeling.
- Listen and reassure. Remain calm, even if you’re upset or angry. Your child might be feeling scared or embarrassed. You can help them respond to what’s happening in a way that feels right to them.
- Help them get their feelings out. Some children respond well to having a journal to draw or write their feelings in. This can be useful if they’re confused or ashamed about what’s happening.
