2 May 2024
On Anti-Bullying Day, the British Council reflects on the urgent social causes of bullying and its evolving manifestations. With the rise of digital connectivity and social complexities, bullying has morphed into a pervasive threat, impacting the lives of countless children and teenagers. In combating bullying, emphasising familial solutions such as managing violence, combating loneliness, promoting independence, and fostering open communication is crucial.
The British Council works with 363,000 children and young people across Europe every year in its cultural programmes, English language classes, and exams. As we mark Anti-Bullying Day, the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities examines its social roots, evolving forms, and effective prevention strategies within the family environment.
‘We have a generation of children and teenagers who are very vulnerable in terms of mental health, exposed in many cases to violence and conflicts in both the family and social environment. We know that they learn aggression from adults or their peers through observation and imitation', says Sonja Uhlmann, Regional Safeguarding Manager Europe at the British Council.
Uhlmann identifies conflictual divorces and the post-pandemic surge in violence, anxiety, and depression as significant factors contributing to bullying. Additionally, the omnipresence of social networks and digital anonymity exacerbate its reach, fostering multiple personas in children.
A concerning trend contributing to contemporary bullying is the rise in child pornography, where immediacy and the 'power of affection' exploited by third parties compel some children to share or sell their images voluntarily. Uhlmann emphasises the importance of parental guidance in setting responsible examples.
In the family environment, the nurturing of values and the maintenance of children's physical and emotional well-being, particularly among the youngest members, play a pivotal role. These are some prevention measures suggested by the expert.
Violence
It should not be normalised or legitimised because we are tired or because our couple or marriage relationships are going through difficult times. ‘We must be aware of how we act to admit and correct certain reactions’, declares Uhlmann.
Loneliness
Combatting unwanted loneliness is essential. Encouraging open communication and shared experiences with children from an early age is key to fostering strong family bonds, away from digital distractions.
Overprotection
Addressing it is vital. Sonja Uhlmann emphasises, 'Frustration at not achieving something is part of life'. Encouraging families to allow space for this emotion is crucial, as its mismanagement can lead to anger and violence, which in turn can trigger bullying.
Denial
Recognising and addressing bullying involves acknowledging when children face challenges and collaborating with educators to provide guidance without aggravating the situation. It is important to guide children on what is right and wrong.
To raise awareness among schools, teachers, families and children about how to deal with bullying situations, the British Council provides information and materials through its TeachingEnglish, LearnEnglish Kids, LearnEnglish Teens and Partner Schools web portals.
About the British Council and its commitment to safeguarding
The British Council is the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity, building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and over 200 countries and territories around the world.
We are committed to creating a safe environment in which no child or adult will experience harm or exploitation during their contact with us. Through our global safeguarding approach, we work with partners to develop a common understanding of safeguarding issues and promote good practices in keeping children and adults safe.