The Anti Bullying Alliance defines bullying behaviour as:
“The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online.” (Anti-Bullying Alliance)
Bullying can take many forms, but the three main types are:
The damage inflicted by bullying can frequently be underestimated. It can cause considerable distress to children to the extent that it affects their health and development or, at the extreme, causes them significant harm (including self-harm or death through suicide).
Sports clubs, governing bodies, and activity providers should take steps to prevent bullying behaviour wherever possible, and to respond to incidents when they occur.
Where can I get more advice on Anti – bullying?
Sports clubs and activity providers may already have general Anti-Bullying strategies in place, but if not click here for a sample – anti bullying policy or contact your sports own governing body.
CPSU provide advice and guidance on the various types of bullying that can take place in sport and how to prevent it– click here for more information.
How can sport play a more positive role in the cessation of bullying?
Bullying is viewed by children as their main concern when they are asked about fears they may have in relation to school or sports clubs. Therefore Sport NI and CPSU are always encouraging all sports to promote their Anti-Bullying policies and messages publicly as often as they can and especially during Anti-Bullying campaign week (November every year).
Anti-Bullying Week is organised by:
- The Anti-Bullying Alliance in Northern Ireland, England and Wales (supported by the Welsh Government in Wales)
- respectme, Scotland’s anti-bullying service
Additional CPSU guidance relating to bullying behaviour can be found in the links below:
