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Bullying is serious Who can help? • 27 per cent of young people report they are bullied every two weeks or more often. Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 www.kidshelp.com.au • Cyberbullying happens to about one in five young Australians every few weeks or more often. Cybersafety help www.cybersmart.gov.au • Many young people who bully online also bully face to face. Australian Federal Police www.afp.gov.au • Some young people who are bullied later go on to engage in bullying others. ReachOut.com au.reachout.com • Bullying can seriously damage physical, social and emotional health. Bullying hurts Beyondblue www.beyondblue.org.au • Bullying hurts the perpetrator as well. Young people who bully over time are more likely to engage in ongoing anti-social behaviour and criminality, have issues with substance abuse, demonstrate low academic achievement and be involved in future child and spouse abuse. Bullying. No way! www.bullyingnoway.gov.au The Australian Psychological Society www.psychology.org.au To download an electronic version of this brochure, visit the National Centre Against Bullying (NCAB) website: www.ncab.org.au Contact us The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is a national charity keeping children safe from violence. The Foundation was set up in memory of Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged six and three, who along with their mother and 32 others were tragically killed at Port Arthur, Tasmania on 28 April 1996. The Alannah and Madeline Foundation PO Box 5192 South Melbourne Vic 3205 t [phone] f [phone] e [email protected] w amf.org.au foundation partner © Copyright 2015. Disclaimer: The information contained in this brochure was correct and up to date at the time of printing, and may be subject to change. What is bullying? Things you can do if your child is being bullied Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. 1. Listen to your child’s story It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Try to listen to the whole story without interrupting. Be empathic, calm and validate what your child says. Ask what your child would like to happen, before making suggestions. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying of any form 2. Have a conversation about what happened involved, including bystanders. Signs that your child might be being