In April I launched my new children's book aimed at the 8-12 year old age range -
'Matty-boy & The Secret Pigeon Racket,' written by Anita Hunt.
Bullying is a worldwide concern and there isn't a month that goes by without this sensitive subject being talked about in the media in one way or another.
Bullying of course doesn't just happen in childhood, the effects of bullying can be devastating and long lasting.
In the UK, The charity Bullying UK conducted a survey in 2006 'out of the 4,772 pupils interviewed, 69 % of them had been affected by bullying.' Quote from Bullying UK - please visit their website for further information. - www.bullying.co.uk
Encouraging a young person to tell a trusted adult is vital so that they may receive the help and support that they need.
There are many reasons why someone who is affected by bullying decides not to tell anyone. Throughout the world, many young people and adults are resorting to ending their lives as they are unable to cope with what is happening to them.
Bullying can happen in a number of ways from verbal, physical, cyber (on the internet) text etc... Bullying can be in many forms from racist, homophobic, disablist, gender, faith based, economic circumstance and so on.
So as Aunts or Godparents how can we help our neices, nephews and godchildren?
> Let them know that that if they are ever affected by bullying, that it is ok to talk to you about it, giving them the space to talk it through.
> Mention if they know of someone who is being bullied, that they can be a friend and help them talk to a safe adult about it, so that they don't need to feel alone anymore.
> Do you suspect that they may be bullying someone? You can help give them the tools that they need to make wise decisions and the importance of how we should treat each other with respect.
>Talk through your concerns with their parents and other professionals.
My book can be used as a tool to read and share with your neice, nephew, godchild. The story is fun but gives a safe space for discussion on this subject of bullying.
We are also running a campaign to get Percy's message (one of the characters in the story) -
'if you are being bullied, please tell someone' - into as many schools as possible with his story.
For more information please visit my website for further information and suggestions for help - http://www.areyoubeingbullied.com