This year’s national Anti-Bullying campaign runs from 15^th to 19^th November 2020; once again, The Duston School is fully supporting this year’s campaign.

The theme, this year, is `One Kind Word’.  Using materials supplied by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, we will be putting together fun activities, packs and information that will be delivered through virtual assemblies and tutor tasks.

Anti-Bullying posters will be displayed in key areas of the school, to help raise awareness and aid discussion.

Thank you for supporting this year’s campaign and our ongoing work against bullying; should you have any questions or comments please speak with Mr Martin (Designated Officer for Safeguarding & Child Protection).

Should you have any concerns relating to an incident in which your (or another) child may be being bullied then please contact your child’s Tutor in the first instance.

What is bullying?

Bullying is behaviour that hurts someone else.  It includes name calling, hitting, pushing, spreading rumours, threatening or undermining someone.  It can happen anywhere; at school, at home or online.  It’s usually repeated over a long period of time and can hurt a child/young person physically and emotionally. [NSPCC]

Recognising the signs of bullying:

• Belongings get ‘lost’ or damaged
• Physical injuries, such as unexplained bruises
• Being afraid to go to school, being mysteriously ‘ill’ each morning or skipping school
• Not doing as well at school
• Asking for, or stealing, money
• Being nervous, losing confidence, or becoming distressed and withdrawn
• Problems with eating or sleeping
• Bullying others

Below are links that parents/carers may find useful:

• Anti-Bullying Alliance:
  https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/anti-bullying-week-2020-united-against-bullying

NSPCC:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/bullying-and-cyberbullying/