NSPCC's bullying counselling sessions increase by 70% since lockdown
This week is Anti-Bullying week, raising awareness of the issue
The number of counselling sessions for children experiencing bullying have increased by 70% since the start of the first national lockdown in England.
That is according to the NSPCC, which says more cyber bullying has taken place as children were forced to stay at home.
From April to October 2020, the charity's trained counsellors held 1,593 counselling sessions with children about online bullying.
Before lockdown measures were first introduced, there were on average 134 counselling sessions a month with children about the issue.
This average increased by 70% from April to October to 228 counselling sessions per month.
The main types of online bullying children have got in touch with Childline about since the lockdown include:
• People sending threatening or abusive text messages.
• Being pressured into sending sexual images or engaging in sexual conversations.
• Being excluded by other children from online games, activities or friendship groups.
• Other people creating fake accounts, hijacking or stealing a child’s online identity to embarrass or cause trouble using a child’s name.
The NSPCC and ChildLine has issued the following tips for children experiencing bullying:
- Talk to an adult you trust about the online bullying you are experiencing so you feel less alone and they can support you. This could be a parent, teacher or you can speak to a Childline counsellor on 0800 1111. You can also use Childline’s online message board to speak with other young people and share your experiences and feelings with children your age who are going through a similar situation.
- Take a break from looking at your phone and do something you enjoy such as sport, listening to music or art.
- Report and block someone if they are sending you messages that upset you.
- Remember the bullying is not your fault.
- Get into a healthy routine and make sure you look after yourself by eating healthily, getting enough sleep and taking time out for yourself.