Myths about Learning Disability and Bullying

Myth: It is inevitable that children with learning disabilities will be bullied at some point

There is nothing inevitable about bullying. Sadly, many children with learning disabilities are bullied, but this is no reason to assume that everyone is. Children and young people with learning disabilities have the same right to look forward to a life free of bullying as anyone else.

Myth: Children with learning disabilities can't help their bullying behaviour

Everyone can help their behaviour. Children with learning disabilities should be encouraged to make positive choices about the way they behave in the same way as anyone else
What if the person who is doing the bullying has a learning disability

Myth: Young people with learning disabilities are "different"

Everyone is different. Children with learning disabilities are different from each other. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to bullying and each case should be judged individually. If a child has a learning disability, you may need to take it into account when dealing with the problem, but it should not be the only consideration.

Myth: Children and young people with learning disabilities don't notice when they are being bullied

Bullying has an impact on everyone. Some people may not report bullying, but that does not mean that they are not affected by it. It is important to take action about bullying behaviour whenever and wherever it happens.

Myth: Attending a mainstream school makes children with learning disabilities more vulnerable to bullying

Bullying happens in schools for pupils with special educational needs just the same as anywhere else. It also happens outside the school gates: at youth clubs, on buses and wherever young people go. Stopping bullying should not be about removing children from the places where it happens

Myth: Young people with learning disabilities cannot make decisions about what should happen if they are bullied

Young people who are bullied should always play a role in deciding what happens. Sometimes, young people with learning disabilities might need extra support to be involved, but that doesn't mean they should be excluded. However, adults should take responsibility for stopping bullying- a child should not be expected to make the final decision