What is bullying behaviour?
There is no one definition of bullying behaviour. Everyone has a different idea of what it means.
Bullying behaviours can include:
- Being hit, tripped or kicked
- Having belongings stolen or damaged
- Being the subject of nasty rumours or gossip
- Cyberbullying – such as abusive text messages or emails
- Being called names, being teased, put down or threatened
- Being ignored, left out
- Being targeted because of who you are or who you are perceived to be
Of course, there are other behaviours that could be classed as bullying. It is important to consider Impact, Persistence and Intent.
It's not just children and young people with learning disabilities who are bullied, but they are more likely to experience some of these behaviours, which are highlighted in bold.
Being called names, being teased, put down or threatened
Children with learning disabilities are often called names. The use of abusive words which single out and label people by their disability is learned behaviour which children often pick up from adults.
This behaviour can be very hurtful and persistent name-calling can have a long-term impact on mental health and wellbeing. As adults, we can help by challenging this language.We need to tell children and young people - as well as each other - that name-calling is never acceptable.
Being ignored, left out
Everyone needs friends. Everyone wants to feel included. Children with learning disabilities are often excluded from every-day activities, which can feel very lonely. This can range from being deliberately left out of games or sports, or being ignored during group discussions online or in ‘real-life’. As an adult, you can set an example by making sure that include children and young people with learning disabilities in activities that you organise.
Being targeted because of who you are or who you are perceived to be
Bullying between children and young people with learning disabilities is not uncommon, although bullying behaviour is more often displayed towards them by other people – including some adults. People with learning disabilities often face discrimination. Children and young people with learning disabilities have the same rights as every other child, which includes the right not to be bullied.
Information about children's rights and bullying.
The way people with learning disabilities are often perceived as different, and some of these difference are seens as negative. By teaching other young people more about learning disability, we can dispel some of these myths.
Learning disability true or false quiz.
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