Aussie parents are crying out for more help to tackle and prevent childhood bullying.
Research shows one in five report one or more of their children was bullied in the last school term.
Almost every parent of a child who was bullied said the experience had affected the whole family.
One in six parents had felt physically sick, and one in five felt depressed or anxious.
The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) National Child Health Poll on childhood bullying found while most parents have a good understanding of what bullying is, and the serious potential effects on children, half of all parents still said they needed more information on how to protect their child.
The poll of 1575 parents caring for 2548 children also found:
• One in four (23 per cent) parents think bullying is a big problem at their child’s school
• Late primary school aged children or ‘tweens’ (aged 10 to 13 years) were more likely to have been bullied (21 per cent) compared with early primary school-aged children (14 per cent) and teenagers (17 per cent)
• Most children (85 per cent) who were bullied experienced the bullying at school
• Only half of parents (48 per cent) think their child’s school manages bullying well, and one in four (23 per cent) were unaware of their child’s school bullying policy
Paediatrician Dr Anthea Rhodes says “Bullying is not just a schoolyard problem, it is a whole community problem”.
“It is serious and common and it can have harmful effects on the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people”
Despite a lack of confidence in their knowledge, the majority of parents are aware of strategies to support their child, including encouraging them to tell a teacher (94 per cent), encouraging them to make new friends, encouraging them to tell the bully to stop and to seek help from other children.
Dr Rhodes also advised parents to get help and support for themselves. “Bullying can be emotionally draining and can bring out a parent’s own past experiences. It’s important to reach out for support. Schools are a good source of help, as well as government websites and the eSafety Commissioner’s office. Seeking help from their own GP or counsellor can also help parents support their child,” Dr Rhodes said.
If you or someone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
