"Bullying behaviour creates a culture of fear and can have a profoundly negative impact on everyone involved. It can seriously affect a person’s physical, emotional, academic and social well-being that can last well into adulthood.

The impact of bullying is far–reaching and it can happen to anyone at any time. The words and actions of those around us can change the way we see ourselves and can transport us from being super-confident to super self-conscious in an instant.

Those who are bullied often avoid confrontation and conflict, and can become anxious, socially withdrawn and lonely. 

Those who display bullying behaviour towards others often struggle to maintain relationships and appropriate boundaries, are overly aggressive, have low self–esteem, and can have difficulty integrating into educational settings and the workplace.

Those who witness bullying behaviour often feel scared and guilty for doing nothing. They can become anxious and worried, and are often pressured to participate in the bullying.

Bullying behaviours can happen online or in person. Overt bullying behaviours like name–calling and aggressive physical behaviours are more easily seen and identified whereas the covert behaviours are more subtle, manipulative and discreet, often with a view to damaging a social reputation and peer relationships. Covert bullying is hard to prove and easily denied. It can make children and young people dread going to school or adults avoid going to work, and can be emotionally and psychologically damaging.

Bullying behaviours can show up in all walks of life and should never be ignored. Each one of us should be prepared to say and do something when we see any form of unkindness. Our actions and words will empower those around us to also do the right thing and can change someone’s day and life for the better. We should make use of opportunities to support each other and choose a kinder way of being.

On Monday, it was wonderful to see Oratory pupils and staff raising awareness, taking a stand against bullying and celebrating what makes us different by wearing Odd Socks."

Kerry Hulbert, 
Oratory School Counsellor