cyber bullying

Anti-bullying week

~ credo2014 ~ Leave a comment

Bullying can happen to any of us at any age and in any environment. Sadly far too often people do not realise that the way they are being treated in school or the workplace is recognised as bullying and unacceptable behaviour.

It is proven statistically just how few people who are being bullied share their pain and often for fear of further reprocussions. If you feel that you are being a victim of bullying in any way please ensure that you tell somebody to not only get help for yourself but make those that need to know are aware that it is going on.

There are many easy ways in which you can increase your confidence to regain your power against the cruelty of others.  Don’t under-estimate the power your school or company have in taking the purpertrators to task. In the case of  bullying at school they can be excluded from school.

For parents there are many signs to watch out for which may be connected to bullying, poor sleep patterns, change in diet, being withdrawn and of course reluctance to go to school. Continued bullying can have all sorts of adverse affects on your child’s health, wellbeing and even affect their exam results.

 

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Anti-bullying week

~ credo2014 ~ Leave a comment

It’s anti-bullying week and an ideal platform for awareness for parents and teachers.

Don’t forget bullying can start at a very early age and that some children are more sensitive and less confrontational than others and can easily full victim to bullies even at nursery school.

As with all areas of parenting we have to keep alert and an open communication line with our children and bear in mind that children do not have the vocab to express their emotions.

It’s often said Mothers are better than the FBI but even the best qualified and caring parents don’t always see the signs…sometimes there are no signs. Sadly in the age of technology we also have to endure cyber-bullying which reaches people of all ages.

Please support the anti-bullying charities and encourage openness with children whenever possible.

 

Anti-bullying

~ credo2014 ~ Leave a comment

Later this month it is Anti-bullying awareness week and I hope the various connected charities will be well supported during this time and schools nationally take full advantage of this platform.

However, we all need to be aware of bullying every day and the various forms it takes. Additionally, the growing concerns to parents of the increase and attitude towards cyber-bullying one of the downsides of modern media.This leaves our children subjected to 24/7 attacks from those that choose this cruel way to intimidate others.

Please see my article on Innovate My School’s website

http://www.innovatemyschool.com/industry-expert-articles/item/1670-how-schools-can-tackle-cyberbullying.html

Be safe be aware. Some may be comforted by the fact that statistics say most bullies go on to suffer with depression in later life…I would prefer they are encouraged from an early age to STOP IT for everyone’s sake! Whereas a large proportion of victims don’t tell anybody they are being bullied an even more worrying statistic.

World Teachers Day

~ credo2014 ~ Leave a comment

Being a teacher is a very stressful yet rewarding career and I think far too often teachers are not supported by parents and/or the various personnel who should be valuing their role.

There are so many teachers that really go the extra mile with our children and inspire them to follow their dreams. It is very sad that burn out seems to be happening far sooner in new teachers too.

So to all those teachers throughout my own child’s schooling I say sincere thanks and to the lecturers at University who are now continuing to inspire her in her educational journey.

I have many colleagues who work in pastoral within schools too who are helping teens in trouble with various intervention projects and pastoral care..remember these staff too who are tackling the real issues on a daily basis.

Talking about being bullied

~ credo2014 ~ Leave a comment

I have always been a great supporter of anti-bullying activities, indeed I was responsible for the funding and placement of a buddy bench at my local junior school.

As we all know when one is bullied it says more about the bullies than it does about you…easy to say not so easy to apply. Even the most popular students at school are the victim of bullying. There are great support charities to give advice including the Anti-bullying Alliance.

Very pleased to hear that Prince William is helping with awareness of this ever-growing problem to both children and adults alike especially via modern media.

Please read my article on tackling cyber bullying on Innovate My school’s website

http://www.innovatemyschool.com/ideas/how-schools-can-tackle-cyberbullying

Freedom of speech or bullying?

~ credo2014 ~ Leave a comment

As a writer I love to have  rant and believe in freedom of speech and democracy. However, where modern media is concerned the lines seem to have become sadly blurred and many people now feel it is acceptable to cyber bully others publicly.

Those that follow my blog know that I support the anti bullying charities in their efforts to help the victims of such unkind and unnecessary bullying who are often young and vulnerable children.

In previous blogs and articles I have raised the question why do these perpetrators not stand back and think before posting? In no time they have started something that others quickly ‘like’ and which adds further pressure and pain to the victims?

As a spokesperson for a support charity recently reminded a Horizon audience;

‘Bullying is now 24/7’  Making escape from it much harder, it doesn’t end when children leave the school premises.

To anybody out there being bullied in this way, make sure you tell somebody (especially your school) and get support asap.

Remember the bullying says far more about the bullies than it does about you. Bullies often go on to suffer with depression in later life when they finally grow up and reflect back.

If I get bullied by this posting I am ignoring it – so please don’t bother.

 

Innovate My School

~ credo2014 ~ Leave a comment

I occasionally donate articles to Innovate My School’s website  – a brilliant procurement tool for teachers and any professionals working within the education sector.

They have had a bit of a website face lift recently and I really like the new format. Thought I would just circulate the newer links to my most recent articles on bereavement and cyber bullying:-

http://www.innovatemyschool.com/ideas/bereavement-helping-pupils-and-towards-recovery

http://www.innovatemyschool.com/ideas/how-schools-can-tackle-cyberbullying

Anything we can do in terms of advice to help CPD within schools as supporting professionals is well received and promoted.

Mixed messages

~ credo2014 ~ 2 Comments

A few of my followers may have been surprised to see a post last week about grime music. What I didn’t mention was that during the fun time with my daughter I was actually quite alarmed, and, if I am honest, disappointed to hear the young male singers using the ‘n’ word. My daughter explained it is spelled differently but I heard what I heard.

As  I ranted at the time; are we going backwards have we learnt nothing? Martin Luther King and others gave their time and their life in support of a non racialist time.

I have been advised since that it is acceptable for one shall we say ‘young man of colour’ to use it to another ‘young man of colour’ and that in itself is sending mixed messages.

Confusingly so all youngsters will now start using this word (however they spell it) which I am deeply uncomfortable with. The irony being if they do use it verbally  in the workplace and/or within schools/colleges they run the risk of being in trouble for being racist or bullying.

I am trying to be politically correct in my blog and no offence is intended. My own mother grew up understanding what real prejudice meant in war time and being half Jewish and consequently raised us not to be prejudice in any shape or form.

If anybody can explain the purpose of this u-turn  I would greatly appreciate it as it makes no sense to me. Music artist and writers have the ideal platform of opportunity ‘to do good’ with their lyrics and send the right messages – this current phase isn’t one of them…but that’s just my view.

 

 

Vulnerable and fragile

~ credo2014 ~ Leave a comment

Last night I watched Monday’s Panorama ‘I’m broken inside’ Sara’s story. Anybody that watched this emotive documentary will no doubt be as angry as me that this young girl was failed by the very systems that are put in place to help. I was horrified when her sister reported that Sarah was even subjected to ‘the powers that be’ arguing over funding for her help…disgraceful.

My heart goes out to the family and huge respect for making this documentary about their beautiful daughter. For families still going through the process hearing that professional help is not as successful as we probably imagine must be equally as alarming.

I have known people who have worked for CAMS and know that the counsellors’ case loads are overloaded and funding for support for families is short and slow in coming…sometimes too late.

I remember being at a meeting last year with several supporting agencies and community heads; we agreed when somebody seeks help they are often already in serious trouble then they are reliant on GP funding to refer and there is a long waiting list.

Sarah Brennan from Young Minds spoke about the serious problem teens now faced with cyber bullying (a subject I often write about). This modern media has resulted in bullying 24/7 and I know schools are faced with supporting more cases than they can cope with.

Early this morning whilst I was reflecting on the programme and the notes I had made I was distracted by a small thud outside which sounded like something had hit the upstairs window. As quickly as I heard the noise I saw a bird fall to the ground.

I opened the patio door to see such a pretty little bird gasping its last few breaths. I assume it flew into the window or fell from a nest. As I picked it up I felt saddened but there was nothing I could have done. Sometimes in life these things are symbols which make us stop and think. I reflected on Sara also fragile and in need of help but it wasn’t forthcoming and another Mother has to live with the loss of a beloved child.

The government must put more resources into support for mental health issues and making available resources closer to the patient’s family to aid their recovery.

Any petitions that we see being organised by support agencies and charities we must sign to get the numbers they require to take their complaints and requests to government.