Bullying

Children and young people may be targeted for a variety of reasons, including:

• come from different backgrounds
• demonstrate entertaining reactions
• have special needs and disabilities
• are young carers or children in care
• are nervous or have low self-esteem
• are new to the school
• are perceived as different

Possible warning signs to look out for in children and young people concerning bullying could include the following behaviours and issues:

• ​less concentration in class
• reluctance to go out to play
• clinging to adults in the playground
• hurting others for no apparent reason
• complaining of hunger
• unexplained injuries
• becoming withdrawn and distressed
• refusing to say what the problem is
• giving unlikely excuses to explain any of the previous behaviours and issues