Every year, bullying impacts the lives of countless young people, and silence helps it grow. From the classroom, playground, homes, to phones. Lasting change needs all of us to take action.
The Anti–Bullying Alliance reported that in the year ending March 2023, an estimated 1.5 million children aged 10-15 in England experienced in-person bullying, and 847,000 experienced online bullying. Research from Anti-Bullying Week 2024 found that 1 in 4 young people under 25 are currently experiencing bullying, with 77% having been bullied at some point in their lives. Other data shows that children with disabilities and those eligible for free school meals are at a higher risk of being bullied.
In 2024, the Anti–Bullying Alliance launched their Power for Good campaign. Over 80% of schools marked the week, and the campaign reached approximately 7.5 million children and young people. The campaign aimed to empower young people to take positive action to overcome the hurt and harm caused by bullying, encouraging them to speak out, raise awareness when they witness bullying both face-to-face and online, support others, and build a world where kindness prevails.
Victims of bullying experience both short-term and long-term effects. In the short term, bullying creates a barrier for learning, with approximately 16000 young people aged 11-15 missing education due to bullying. This places a strain on educational establishments and families who are required to take responsibility for the attendance of young people in their care. Victims of bullying are more likely to experience mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and self-harming tendencies. In the long term, this can create a negative effect on how victims perceive themselves into adulthood. This can impact self-confidence and the ability to gain qualifications, complete education, and achieve successful employment. Research suggests that adults who were bullied as children are more likely to become victims of domestic violence and be involved in unstable relationships.
A generation ago, bullying was limited to the playground and the classroom. The recent access to social media and rising popularity have changed the way many conflicts arise and are addressed. There is no doubt that social media is having a negative impact on the number of bullying issues. Anonymity online makes it easier to say unkind or disrespectful things to others, and the tone or meaning of written communication can be easily misconstrued. This generation gap is also causing a possible lack of awareness between young people and the adults in their lives. Today’s young people, often described as Gen Z, are technology natives with access to more digital devices and platforms than anyone could have ever imagined possible 10 years ago. They were born into a world with smartphones and the internet. They are almost constantly online, creating virtually unlimited opportunities for cyberbullying. Whereas the older generations (Gen X) have adapted to the increase in technology and the internet during their lifetimes.
In recent years, communities have become ever more diverse. Certain groups, including racial, ethnic, religious, or LGBTQ+ minorities, and people with disabilities, are at a higher risk of being targeted for bias-based bullying. External events can also exacerbate bullying. For example, social or political tensions have been linked to an increase in bullying towards students of specific religious or ethnic backgrounds. While increased diversity can lead to higher risks of prejudice-based bullying, a supportive and inclusive environment that respects and embraces differences can actually reduce bullying incidents. Strategies to address this include incorporating diversity into the curriculum, promoting anti-bullying programs, and creating a culture of acceptance and respect to protect vulnerable groups. This also helps children to develop emotional intelligence and resilience. These skills not only help prevent bullying but also teach young people how to build respectful relationships face-to-face and online.
What can we do as educators and parents/carers to support anti–bullying and promote respect amongst our young people?
How can we help in Education?
How can we help at home?
How can we help in the community?
Ultimately, preventing bullying requires ongoing commitment. It’s about creating environments where every young person feels valued, included, and heard. By working together - educators, parents, carers, and young people themselves - we can continue to challenge bullying in all its forms and promote a culture where respect truly thrives and kindness prevails.
About the author
Anouska is a qualified Primary School mainstream teacher, with 20 years experience in this sector. She has also worked with learners with low attainment levels, those with undiagnosed emotional difficulties, ASD, ADHD and challenging behaviour, and uses her skills to champion young people to achieve their goals.
