Bullying

What is Bullying and Harassment?

• Bullying and harassment are defined as any unsolicited or unwelcome act that humiliates, intimidates or undermines the individual involved, it is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying and harassment results in pain and distress to the victim.

Bullying and Harassment can be:

• Emotional being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding kit, threatening gestures)
• Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
• Racist racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
• Unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
• Homophobic because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality
• Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing, (including abusive text messaging)
  
  Indicators of Bullying
  
  A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Children and Young People have described bullying as:
• being called names
• being teased
• being hit, pushed, pulled, pinched, or kicked
• having their bag, mobile or other possessions taken
• receiving abusive text messages
• being forced to hand over money
• being forced to do things they do not want to do
• being ignored or left out
• being attacked because of religion, gender, sexuality, disability, appearance or ethnic or racial origin
• being filmed/photographed on mobile phones in changing rooms
• having information about them shared electronically (via text, email, the internet etc)

Signs and symptoms:

• doesn't want to attend training or club activities
• changes to their usual routine
• begins being disruptive during sessions
• becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
• comes home with clothes torn or kit damaged
• has possessions go "missing"
• becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
• starts stammering
• attempts or threatens suicide or runs away
• cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
• has unexplained cuts or bruises
• comes home starving (money / lunch has been stolen)
• is bullying other children or siblings
• stops eating
• is frightened to say what's wrong.

These signs and behaviour may not constitute bullying or harassment and be symptoms of other problems. Coaches and volunteers need to be aware of these possible signs and report any concerns to the appropriate person.