Recent media coverage has highlighted the need for schools and indeed parents to be more aware of bullying issues at school. At Seven Hills High we have a "hands off' policy. However bullying, particularly in the secondary school can be far more subtle. It is the damaging harm that can happen to a child's sense of well being and self worth. It is not a normal part of growing up, nor is it part of a "toughening up" process preparing a child for the adult world. Worse still, is the idea that "once a bully, always a bully". 

We need to not only help our children to be more resilient but we also need to teach our "bullies" more effective strategies in dealing with the issues they encounter in life. 

Bullying is usually the result of a stronger student or group of students exerting pressure on a child. It may take the following forms: 

• Verbal: the child is called names put down, threatened  

• Physical: the child is assaulted, hit, kicked, tripped, property stolen 

• Social: the child is isolated, ignored, left out or rumours are circulated 

• Psychological: the child is followed, the target of dirty looks, or the victim of the silent treatment It is important to remember that often the bully has support from other students, simply because the other children fear repercussions for themselves. Research shows that:

• Generally boys are bullied individually

• Girls are bullied more often by groups

• Both boys and girls are subject to bullying

The Signs Students don't like to report bullying because they see it as dobbing. So often, the information will come from parents, older siblings or friends. Reporting bullying should not be seen dobbing but rather about taking control and not allowing oneself to be treated in this manner.

Things to look for: 

• Bruises, scratches that can't be explained 

• Torn or damaged clothing 

• Damaged or missing property 

• Headaches, stomachaches and other inexplicable pains 

• Tears, Depression Unusual outbursts of anger, temper 

• Not wanting to go to school Avoiding friends and/or play Unexplained changes in the route to school School work starts to deteriorate 

What can you do to help? 

Listen to your child. In all likelihood it has been difficult for your child to tell you. They have probably run out of strategies. 

• Show that you understand 

• Keep an open mind, 

• Remember it is only one perception of what is happening

• Ask what has been happening 

• Who is involved 

• Where When Who else has seen what has been happening

• Support them in a positive way

•  Involve them in the decision about how the matter will be handled 

• Enlist the help of school personnel to help resolve the problem Year Adviser, Head Teacher Welfare,  Deputies, & School Counsellor

• Advise your child that sometimes pretending not to hear hurtful comments help

•  Teach your child to use silent self talk eg "That's their problem not mine" I'm okay" "They can't hurt me", "Let them find someone else to hassle", "I'm cool"

•  Help your child to be quietly assertive. Practise saying: "Don't do that", "I don't like it" "Stop doing ..." " If you don't stop I will take the matter further"

•  Encouraging your child to believe that it is okay to tell someone when bullying occurs , it is not dobbing

• Preserve the belief that everyone has the right to be safe and happy A Child needs to:

  • Feel believed and listened to

  • Develop trust in how their parents will handle it

  • Talk more openly about what has happened

  • Gain some control over what has happened

  • Develop some strategies to deal with bullying

  • Regain self confidence

At Seven Hills High School we don't believe that any student should have to tolerate being bullied. The first step to resolving a problem is acknowledging and identifying the problem. So, if you have any concerns let us know so that we can work together to resolve them.