To tie in with Anti-Bullying Week, this week’s community interest article looks at the signs of bullying and the importance of speaking up. It can happen face to face or online, at work, school or in the community. But whatever form it takes and wherever it occurs, there’s no excuse for bullying.

As this week is Anti-Bullying Week, let’s look at how widespread bullying is, the signs to look out for and how best to deal with it.

How common is it?

While there may be a greater awareness of bullying these days, there’s still a lot of work to do to stamp it out.

22% of people aged 12 – 20 say they experienced bullying in the last year*. While in the workplace, one in ten workers say they’ve been bullied, and 47% say they’ve observed bullying**.

Signs and impact

Bullying can be hugely detrimental to someone’s mental health. It stops people from living their lives as they wish and can cause illness, anxiety and depression and result in self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Signs a child may be experiencing bullying

• Unexplained injuries
• Difficulty sleeping or bedwetting
• A reluctance to go to school and an increase in headaches or tummy upsets
• Altered eating habits
• Their schoolwork may go downhill

Signs an adult may be experiencing bullying in the workplace

• Loss of confidence and motivation
• Anxiety or depression
• Increased absence from work
• Reduced performance
  
  

What to do if you experience bullying

Talk to someone you trust about what you’re experiencing, and consider raising the issue with someone in authority who can take action. (You may discover that other people have raised concerns about your bully’s behaviour, too.)

Also, keep a record of when incidents occur so that if your complaint escalates, you have times and dates to back up your story. Most importantly, don’t blame yourself. The bully’s behaviour, not yours, is the problem.

What to do if you witness bullying

If you’re concerned that someone is being bullied, raise the issue with them privately. You may worry that the person in question will think you’re prying, but most likely, they’ll be grateful that you’re considering their well-being.

If they decline your offer to discuss the situation, point out who they could talk to in the school or organisation if they have an issue.

If you’d like to learn more about Anti-Bullying Week, visit anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk.

From all of us here at Cooke & Co Estate and Letting Agents thanks for reading.

* Diana Award Anti-Bullying Programme

** Psychiatry-UK.com

About Cooke & Co

Cooke & Co, a liked and respected estate agency trading since 1992, is conveniently situated in the picturesque seaside district of Thanet. We proudly operate from our local offices in the region's primary towns, namely Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate. Additionally, our extensive reach encompasses the charming areas of Westbrook, Westgate, Birchington, Monkton, Manston, and Minster. Our presence in these diverse locales enables us to offer an enriched understanding and comprehensive service to the property market in these prime coastal towns and villages.

Contact our offices at the following numbers:

• Margate Office/Area: (01843) 231833
• Ramsgate Office/Area: (01843) 851322
• Broadstairs Office/Area: (01843) 600911

Visit our main website at www.cookeandco.com or contact us via email at enquiry@cookeandco.com. If you would like a free instant valuation of your home, then visit our free instant valuation site.