The psychological and behavioural consequences of bullying victimisation are detrimental. Aside from its immediate health and psychological impact (Nansel et al., 2001; Rigby, 2000), being a bully victim in school is a predictor of low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression during adulthood and has a negative impact on subsequent socio-economic attainment

One of our members reports that their child was bullied throughout Nursery and Primary School. The child had a formal diagnosis of Floating Harbor Syndrome at a young age, yet teachers would punish the child for not listening in class or not responding appropriately to instructions. The child in question also has a intellectual disability, amongst other complex needs. Children would threaten the child, verbally and emotionally bully the child, and sadly, they were hit physically by other children in the playground and on the journey home. The child could not express their feelings to anyone for years, as they have social communication issues alongside their Intellectual Disability.

This all happened in mainstream education in Scotland. The child and family were supported by Salvesen Mindroom, Contact a Family, Govan Law Solicitors and various other organisations, yet the Education system refused to acknowledge nor support the child appropriately.

When the child reached the age of 17, they were assessed by Mental Health professionals and Edinburgh Psychiatrists, who submitted to the Court of Scotland that the child was lacking the capacity to manage their life independently. This is the same child that Education decided not to support the child through school, as they knew better.

Bullying is not just in the playgrounds, it is something that increasingly hits the headlines on our national news, under the name of cyber-bullying. Copious amounts of information is available on the do’s and dont’s for your children online, and we would advise that you have a look at a Childline and Anti-Bullying Alliance.

We will publish on this subject in the near future.