Anti-Bullying Week 2010

This week (15-19 November) is Anti-Bullying Week and the NSPCC are actively promoting the issue as a major problem that still affects many children and young people. Anti-Bullying Week takes place every year and is run by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA). The aim is to send a clear message that bullying is neither acceptable nor inevitable in our schools and communities.

The ABA was founded in 2002 by the NSPCC and the National Children's Bureau, and brings together over 70 organisations into one network. Together they look to develop a consensus around how to stop and prevent bullying. The do this by influencing policy and working to develop and disseminate best practice.

There are loads of resources on the Anti-Bullying Alliance website and include guidance for parents, teachers, school leaders, youth workers and those working with children in a range of settings.

Figures from ChildLine - a service of the NSPCC - reveal that many children suffer continual harassment and attacks, sometimes lasting five years and more. In some cases the bullying has been so severe that children have turned to harming themselves or even contemplated suicide.

Over the last decade more than 15,000 children have told ChildLine counsellors they were bullied for up to five years and in another 2,190 cases it went on even longer. On top of this another 30,000 said the bullying lasted for between one month and a year.

The psychological effects of bullying make it very difficult for children to admit or talk about what they are going through. Even though many have called ChildLine for help, there will be many more cases where children or young people have received no hep or support at all. If you suspect that a child is the victim of bullying, please call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk - one of our experienced counsellors will either be able to advise you on what can be done to help or if you wish for the NSPCC to take action to protect the child.