Spotting the Signs of Bullying in Pupils with Communication Needs
Bullying affects many young people, but children with a speech and language disorders, differences or learning difficulties are significantly more likely to be targeted by bullies than their peers. Alarming research shows that children who stammer are 61% more likely to be bullied, and eight out of ten children with a learning disability have experienced bullying at some point.
For teachers and Special Educational Needs (SEN) staff, these statistics are upsetting but important to keep in mind, especially because bullying can be difficult to spot. Pupils often do not report the abuse because they feel ashamed, are afraid, or do not want to be labelled as a ‘tell tale’.
Warning Signs in the Classroom
Teachers are well-positioned to notice changes in a student’s daily behaviour. If you are concerned a pupil might be experiencing bullying, look out for the following warning signs:
- Physical evidence like bruises, marks on their body, or broken and missing possessions.
- The pupil becoming unusually withdrawn or showing sudden changes in their overall behaviour and eating habits.
- Frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches, or signs of sleeping badly such as bed-wetting.
- Visible worry or anxiety about attending school.
- A sudden decline in their academic performance at school.
It is important to note that displaying some of these signs does not automatically mean a child is being bullied; teachers should also consider if there are other major changes at home or school causing the pupil’s distress.
How to Talk to a Pupil About Bullying
If you suspect a pupil is being bullied, it is often best not to ask them directly. Instead, ask open questions about their day and how they are feeling, ensuring you give them plenty of time and opportunity to respond.
Teachers can use several neutral listening skills to encourage the pupil to open up:
- Face the pupil: Maintain appropriate eye contact to show you are interested in what they are saying.
- Do not interrupt: Only ask questions to clarify what they mean. The less the teacher speaks, the more the child mayspeak.
- Reflect exactly what you hear: Listen carefully for their tone or the ideas behind their words, and try ‘playing back’ what you hear to show you understand.
- Stay neutral: It is highly important to listen without becoming visibly angry or upset yourself.
Taking Action
If a pupil confirms they are being bullied, the way you respond has a huge impact. Before taking further action, make sure to write a clear list of the facts: what happened, who was involved, when the incident occurred, who witnessed it, if the child did anything that may have provoked it, and whether it was a single event or a continuous series of events. Documenting these facts will help the school and the child’s parents work together systematically to resolve the situation and support the pupil. Your Speech & Language Therapist can support you in finding the best way to communicate with the pupil.
