Persistence, Intent and Impact

Persistence

Bullying behaviour does not always go on for a long time. It can be a one-off incident with a long-term impact, especially when a child is threatened or humiliated. Once is once too often.

Persistent bullying behaviour is a reality for many children and young people with learning disabilities. Half of children with learning disabilities say they have been bullied for more than two years. When bullying goes on for a long time, some young people might start to think it is just a part of life. As adults, it is important that we let young people know that bullying is not inevitable and that it is never acceptable.

Intent

Bullying behaviour does not have to be deliberate. Children or young people may not always be aware that their behaviour is making another person feel bullied. Some people may copy behaviour from children, and even adults, around them.

Although they may not see their behaviour as ‘bullying’, if their actions are making someone else feel bullied it is important to point this out and let them know why it is unacceptable.

Sometimes children and young people with learning disabilities may need more support to understand what bullying behaviour is and how their own actions might affect other people.

What if the person doing the bullying has a learning disability?

Impact

If you are in any doubt about whether an action is bullying, the best approach is to ask the child or young person involved. If they feel afraid, helpless, anxious or humiliated then it is clear that the behaviour needs addressed and they need your support to recover from its impact.