Banter or Bullying? - Launching Our New Toolkit for Practitioners

This toolkit is a practical companion to the CPD training course we launched earlier this year. It focuses on helping professionals navigate the fine line between playful banter and harmful bullying, providing crucial resources, practical activities and lesson plans that will help address these challenges directly with young people.

While banter can often strengthen relationships and promote a sense of belonging, it can also lead to misunderstandings and, in some cases, escalate into bullying. Our toolkit provides strategies and guidance to ensure that practitioners can identify when banter crosses the line and support young people in managing these interactions.

This toolkit includes:

• Clear definitions and examples to help distinguish banter from bullying.
• Practical advice on setting boundaries and encouraging positive peer interactions.
• Guidance on how to recognise verbal and non-verbal cues that indicate discomfort.
• Tips for whole-school approaches to addressing banter and bullying, ensuring a consistent and supportive environment for all young people.
• A package of activities, assembly plans and lesson plans, with accompanying presentations and handouts, to support practitioners in teaching young people about the difference between banter and bullying.

We are confident this toolkit will be an invaluable resource in helping schools and youth organisations foster a culture of respect and inclusivity.

Download the toolkit now and help to ensure that banter remains a positive part of social interactions for children and young people, rather than a gateway to bullying.