Every month, NSPCC service ChildLine counsels more than 3,000 young people about bullying - a quarter (23%) of all calls to the service. One area of growing concern is homophobic bullying. A new study of calls to ChildLine offers a snapshot into the extent of the problem in schools. Young people featured in the research indicate that too many teachers do nothing about homophobic bullying, and many young people fear telling their parents. Those counselled by ChildLine about homophobic bullying report feeling extremely lonely and isolated and feel that they have no where else to turn.

ChildLine in partnership in schools (CHIPS) head Lindsay Gilbert said: "Right now, thousands of children are dreading going back to school because of the bullying they will face.

"Every school should have an anti-bullying charter but shielding children from bullying does not stop at the school gates; parents and carers can also play a role. Not only can parents help tackle bullying, they are also crucial to helping their child through what is often a terrifying and demoralising experience."

The NSPCC is releasing anti-bullying tips for parents at the start of the new school year. The advice is designed to help parents at all stages from spotting the early warning signs to ensuring the schools anti-bullying policies are robust. Parents can download the advice on this website.

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For further information contact the NSPCC press office on 020 7825 7403 or out of hours 07976 206625

Notes to editors


ChildLine is the NSPCC's free, UK 24-hour helpline for children in trouble or danger. Trained volunteer counsellors comfort, advise and protect children and young people. Children call ChildLine about a wide range of problems, but the most common problems are abuse (both sexual and physical), bullying, family relationships, worries about friends' welfare and teenage pregnancy. Calls are free to children calling 0800 1111 from anywhere in the UK - but ChildLine pays for every call. Lines can be busy, but ChildLine urges children to keep trying and they will get through.


ChildLine in partnership in schools (CHIPS) raises awareness about ChildLine's work and the issues young people face.
Advice for parents - How to react if your child is being bullied?
At school

Explain your worries as calmly as possible to the class teacher, or the head of year and request that they keep an eye on the situation and let you know if they have any concerns.


You can boost your child's confidence and child's circle of friends by regularly inviting some classmates around.


If the bullying continues, keep a diary of what your child says is happening and encourage your child to do the same.


Formalise your concerns in writing to your child's teacher or the head of year with evidence included from the diary. Ask for the letter to be put on your child's file to ensure there is an official record of the bullying. Also request for a written note of what action will be taken by the school.


Suggest that contact between the bully and your child is monitored and limited. In primary school this could mean moving bullies to a different table, in secondary school it could mean operating teacher "patrols" in bullying hotspots like changing rooms or the toilets.


Ask for a follow-up meeting after a couple of weeks to discuss how things are going
At home
It is worth remembering that bullying tends to happen when children get together and so weekends at home away from the crowd could be the only break your child gets. Try and make this time special and help your child relax.

It sounds obvious but don't forget to tell your child how much you love them and how very special they are. This will really boost their self esteem and confidence.

What if it all gets too much for my child?
In extreme cases of bullying, the thought of going to school can seem too much for children. However, keeping a child at home due to bullying is considered to be an unauthorised absence. If your child is not receiving tutoring at home, you could be liable for prosecution.

If the bullying has got to the point were your child can't face school, ask the LEA (Local Education Authority) pupil support department or education social worker for help. You could also ask your doctor if counselling would be beneficial.

Detecting the early signs
No matter how close your relationship with your child, the older they become, the less likely they are to open up to you about what is happening at school. The sad truth is that children who are being bullied often feel ashamed or they worry their parents might over react. However, there are a few tips you can employ to ensure even the most uncommunicative of teenagers have the chance to open up to you.


Ask open questions for example; "Tell me about how the school trip went?", not "Did you enjoy the school trip"


A conversation must be two way, it is not just giving advice, but recognising, respecting a child's views and worries. Look for the emotional meaning that often lies behind words. Try to work this out, identify the feeling and feed it back. Say something like "So you must have felt angry when that happened?"
Listening tips include


Stop what you are doing and give your full attention.
Make eye-contact
Don't interrupt too quickly
Give prompts - nodding, smiling, saying "mmms".
If you really don't have time to listen explain "I am busy right now, but come back in half an hour and we can talk properly about it".
Extra resources

Children who would like to speak to someone in confidence can call NSPCC ChildLine on 0800 1111.

 http://www.nspcc.org.uk/html/Home/Needadvice/bullying.htm

 http://www.childline.org.uk

 http://www.bullying.co.uk