Reader’s letter: Help at hand

This week marks Anti-Bullying Week, an annual event coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance to remind us that preventing and responding to bullying is vital.

Our Childline counsellors hear from young people every day who have experienced bullying. We know how isolating it can be, and the impact it can have on their lives.

In the last year, more than 8,000 Childline counselling sessions have taken place about face-to-face and online bullying.

If you notice your child appears withdrawn or upset, if their belongings are lost or damaged or their school performance is declining, it’s possible they are experiencing bullying.

With online bullying, you may notice they spend more or less time online compared to normal.

Talking to your child and helping them to feel comfortable when they come to you with anything that might be making them feel anxious or sad will help.

If they explain they’re being bullied, try to remain calm.

Remember, there’s advice for parents and children on the NSPCC and Childline websites, and our counsellors are here around the clock for young people who are experiencing bullying of any kind. — Rachel Wallace, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager for the Midlands.