Bullying and harassment
Bullying is behaviour that intends to cause hurt to another person or group of people. The hurt bullying causes can be physical or emotional.
Bullying is never:
- a normal part of growing up
- character building
- something that only happens to children
Whatever form bullying takes, it is always wrong. It can happen to anyone, in or outside of school, at any time.
Get support
If you are being bullied, you can get help from:
- the family support adviser (FSA) or headteacher in your school
- Youthline, a free counselling service for young people aged 12 to 25
- Kooth, online support and counselling for young people
Effect of bullying on children and young people
The effects of bullying can vary from person to person. However, it's clear that bullying can be extremely harmful. It often has a negative effect on a child or young person's development.
Bullying can:
- have a damaging impact on self-esteem and confidence
- result in powerful and conflicting emotions
- make children and young people feel overwhelmed by fear, anger, and powerlessness
In situations where bullying occurs, listen to the child and young person. It is important that they feel heard and get the support they need.
There are resources online that parents and carers may find useful:
Child sexual exploitation
Every year, thousands of children and young people in the UK are affected by sexual exploitation.
Child sexual exploitation is an act where people in power take advantage of young people and sexually abuse them.
It can involve a broad range of exploitative activity, such as:
- relationships that appear to be consensual
- informal exchanges of sex for attention, accommodation, gifts or cigarettes
- very serious organised crime
There is help for parents or carers supporting a young person trying to escape this form of abuse.
Barnardo's have information for parents and young people to help them spot the signs of sexual exploitation. There is also support and more information for parents at Pace UK.
If you think that a child or young person may be at risk of sexual exploitation, contact Children’s Social Care or the police straight away. For more information go to our Report child abuse page.
Domestic abuse in teenage relationships
Abuse in relationships can happen to anyone. It can happen regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race, disability, faith or family situation.
Visit the NSPCC for more information about domestic abuse.
Form local support and advice, go to our domestic abuse section.
To speak to someone in confidence, call Berkshire Women’s Aid on 0118 950 4003.
Drug and alcohol misuse
Many parents worry about their child becoming involved with drugs. They feel that they don’t know enough about drugs to help prevent their child from coming to harm.
If you are worried about a child taking drugs or drinking alcohol, you can get more help and information at Talk to FRANK.
For local help:
- go to our drug and alcohol advice section
- contact New Hope on 01344 351653
Safe handling of babies
Rough handling of babies can cause serious injuries.
The NSPCC have advice on safe ways of holding and caring for a baby.
For local help or support contact your health visitor or children’s centre.
Bruising to immobile children
Immobile children are those who cannot move around by themselves.
To cause bruising to an immobile child through daily activities such as feeding and changing nappies is difficult.
Crawling or walking children often get bruises. In contrast, it is unusual for those not yet walking to bruise, even if they fall or get knocked.
In Bracknell Forest, professionals who encounter bruising in an immobile child must refer them to a pediatrician. It can be a sign of a health condition, blood disease, or infection.
They will also refer the child to Children’s Social Care. They will work with the pediatrician to decide on any steps.
If you think that a child or young person may be at risk of harm or neglect, contact the MASH team. Go to our Report child abuse page for more information and how to get in touch.
Staying safe online
The internet is a fun and exciting place for children to learn and socialise. The challenge for parents and carers is how to help children stay safe online.
Childnet helps you to understand online safety issues. They give practical advice on how to talk to children about internet safety so their online experience stays positive and fun.