Join the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) as we unveil the truth about childhood bullying.
Every Monday for 20 weeks, the ABA posted a short #MythBustingMondays video debunking common myths and empowering viewers with knowledge to foster safer, more compassionate environments.
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Myth 1 : "Bullying is Just Part of Growing Up"
A common myth is that "Bullying is Just Part of Growing Up". However, research shows that childhood bullying can have a significant impact on a person’s life well into adulthood. Addressing bullying early is crucial for a healthy development journey.
You can read more research on this here.
Myth 2 : "It's Just Banter, Not Bullying"
Banter is the playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks. Banter should uplift, not hurt. Work with children to recognise the line between playful teasing and harmful behaviour.
To better understand this, click here to access our free online CPD training on "Banter or bullying? Navigating the line of acceptability".
Myth 3 : "Ignore it, and it'll Go Away"
Ignoring bullying won't make it disappear. Silence perpetuates the problem, so empower children to speak up and seek help.
You can find resources to help empower young people to stand up against bullying here.
Myth 4 : "Only Physical Bullying is Serious"
Physical bullying is not the only form of bullying that is serious. Emotional, verbal, and cyberbullying can be just as harmful. All forms of bullying deserve attention and intervention.
Some resources that might help you include :
ABA's Definition of Bullying
What is Online Bullying?
Myth 5 : "It's Normal Sibling Rivalry"
Sibling disagreements are common, but persistent harm is not okay. Distinguish between normal conflicts and harmful patterns.
To better understand sibling bullying and its impact, click here
Myth 6 : "Bullying Only Happens in School"
Bullying transcends settings. It can happen online, at home, or in the community. Awareness and prevention are key everywhere.
To read some advice and tips to tackle online bullying based on our consultations with young people, click here.
Myth 7 : "Children that bully are Always the Tough Kids"
Children bully for lots of different reasons & can come in all shapes & sizes. Focus on behaviour, not stereotypes. Address the actions, not the image.
To better understand how to support young people who display bullying behaviour, check out our Toolkit on Supporting Young People who Bully.
Myth 8 : "Children Will Grow Out of It"
If ignored, bullying behaviours can persist. Early intervention is vital for positive growth.
Our Bullying Prevention Tool can help develop your school's bullying prevention strategy.
Myth 9 : "Bullying is Just a Part of School Culture"
A healthy school culture rejects bullying. Everyone plays a role in fostering an environment of respect and inclusion.
Our School Resources will provide you with everything you need to make Anti-Bullying Week happen at your school, helping to cultivate a culture that rejects bullying.
Myth 10 : "It's Not My Problem"
Bullying affects us all. It's everyone's responsibility to create a safe, supportive community for our children.
To promote collective responsibility, ABA offers numerous resources to support encouraging bystanders to become defenders or 'upstanders' in bullying situations. You can find them here.
Myth 11 : 'Bullying Only Impacts the Victim"
The impact of bullying ripples through communities. Bullying affects bystanders, witnesses, and even those who have bullied themselves. Let's break the cycle.
You can read more on the long and short term impacts of bullying here.
Myth 12 : 'Only 'Troubled' Kids are Bullied'
Bullying targets anyone. Socio-economic status, academic performance, or popularity don't make someone immune to being bullied. It's a universal issue.
To gain a better understanding of pupils that are at most risk of face-to-face and online bullying, please check out our free online CPD training on Bullying and Difference.
Myth 13 : "Girls Don't Bully as Much as Boys"
Bullying knows no gender. It may manifest differently, but girls can be just as involved as boys.
You can read more research on gender differences in bullying here.
Myth 14 : "Teachers Always Know About Bullying"
Not all instances are visible. Pupils may suffer in silence. Open communication and awareness are essential for effective prevention.
Here are some top tips for teachers to help tackle bullying in school : Top tips for teachers.
Myth 15 : Bullying is a Normal Part of Teenage Relationships
Relationship conflicts should be based on respect, not control.
Refer to the Relationships Curriculum to help young people recognise the signs of unhealthy dynamics and promote healthy relationships.
Myth 16 : Anti-Bullying Campaigns Don't Make a Difference
Awareness sparks change. Research shows that effective programmes foster a culture of empathy and unity. Every effort counts in the fight against bullying.
Check out our literature review summarising the main kinds of interventions used to reduce bullying : Change Starts with US, Literature Review.
Myth 17 : Children are too Young to Understand Bullying
Children comprehend more than we think. Early education on empathy and kindness lays the foundation for a bully-free future.
Learn more about early years and bullying here.
Myth 18 : "Bullying is Just a Phase"
Ignoring persistent behaviours reinforces them. Early intervention prevents negative patterns from becoming ingrained.
To understand the importance of early help and early intervention, check out NSPCC Learning's explainer on it here : Early help and early intervention.
Myth 19 : "Online Bullying Isn't as Serious as In-Person Bullying"
While research shows that online bullying may be less frequently occurring compared to face-to-face bullying, it can have severe consequences. The digital world is real, and its impact is profound. Vigilance is crucial both online and offline.
To gain a better understanding of online bullying and approaches to tackle it, check out our free CPD course on Cyberbullying.
Myth 20 : "Reporting Bullying Makes You a Snitch"
Reporting is courageous, not betraying. Encourage a culture where speaking up is celebrated, fostering a community that stands against bullying and help make change by discussing bullying as a group behaviour
Check out our short guide on creating a good bullying reporting and recording system : Reporting and Recording Bullying, A Short Guide for Schools and Settings.