8 ways volunteers can help a young person being bullied
It's Anti-Bullying Week. Take a look at our guidance to help prevent bullying and help those experiencing bullying.
At Scouts, we encourage young people and volunteers to treat people kindly and celebrate their differences.
Everyone’s responsible for creating a caring, supportive, and positive environment, which makes it hard for bullying to happen.
Unfortunately, there are times when bullying can still take place, so it’s important we know how to deal with it. We need to support the young person in the best way possible and help prevent bullying in the future.
How volunteers can help a young person being bullied
- When you realise a young person is being bullied, ask them if they’d like to talk about it. You can offer great initial support by listening to them.
- Sit back patiently and let them tell you what’s going on, so they can get everything they want to share off their chest.
- They might not be ready to do anything about it, but just talking can help them feel better and give you an idea of how you can help.
- Let the young person know you’re there to help them if they’d like you to.
- If they’re comfortable talking to you about their situation, finding out what type of bullying is taking place (physical, verbal or online) can help you decide the best way to help them.
- Before you act on the situation, make sure the young person gives you their permission to take things further.
- Often, young people don’t report bullying as they’re worried about how adults might act, so it’s important they know exactly what you’re going to do and agree to it first.
- A young person demonstrating bullying behaviours can always turn their attention to someone else, so it’s important to keep an eye on the situation.
- If the young person agrees, talking to another adult can help you find the best way to act and resolve the issue.
- It’s important to talk to a parent or carer to keep them updated on the situation and show you’re handling it.
- Remember, it’s the behaviour that’s unacceptable, not the person.
- Try and find out the cause of the bullying and explore what might have caused their behaviour. Be alert to any potential safeguarding issues. The young person may be feeling hurt or insecure and taking it out on others. Remember, they'll also need support.
- Let them know how their actions can affect other people, and teach them positive ways they can make and keep friends without hurting others.
- Use the Anti-Bullying Code to establish what’s right and wrong.
- It’s important to talk about anti-bullying with young people.
- We have lots of activities to talk to young people about bullying.
- If you volunteer at sessions, remind your Scouts of the Code of Conduct, and let them know bullying is completely unacceptable. Teach them that it’s important to be kind, caring, and welcoming to everyone in Scouts.
- Being bullied can feel like a lonely experience and can greatly impact the victim’s self-esteem.
- Reassure them that they’ll be OK, it’s not their fault, and there are people to support them.
- It’s great to show you’re there for them by being positive and encouraging, and being willing to listen. Let them know you're there to help resolve the situation.
For more information on Anti-Bullying Week and how you can get involved, visit the Anti-Bullying Alliance website.
For Anti-Bullying Week 2022, NSPCC have brought together free resources to help you learn about bullying and how to prevent it.