Bullying
'Children have the right to protection from all forms of violence (physical or mental). They must be kept safe from harm and they must be given proper care by those looking after them.' [The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 19]
The Scout Association is committed to this ethos and seeks to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the prevention of all forms of bullying among members. To this end all scouting activities should have in place rigorous anti-bullying strategies.
Let's stamp out bullying together
According to ChildLine, half of primary school children and more than one in four secondary school students say that they have been bullied within the last year. With such high figures, it could mean that someone in your group is being bullied or is a bully. But how do you recognise the signs, and what can you do to help?
Bullying takes many forms, some less obvious than others, and can be carried out by an individual or a group of people. Name calling is the most common form of bullying that is reported. Other forms of bullying include threats, teasing, hitting and pushing, being 'left out of the group', or attacked because of religion, gender or race.
How can you help?
It is scout policy that bullying in any form is unacceptable and all activities should have in place rigorous anti-bullying strategies.The Association's guide has been written to help you deal with bullying and take steps to reduce the chances of it happening in your group or section.
We have produced the following booklet and poster. They aim to prevent bullying and help tackle the issue should it occur in your group or section.
Let's Stamp Out Bullying Together - Guide (PDF)
Let's Stamp Out Bullying Together - Poster (PDF)