Bullying and Deaf Children: A guide for primary and secondary schools has been launched to help schools tackle any bullying issues that deaf pupils might be experiencing.
Its creators, The National Deaf Children’s Society, has carried out research showing that almost two-thirds of deaf young people have been bullied because of their deafness.
There are 45,000 deaf children and young people in the UK and the guide is aimed at mainstream teachers and SENCOs.
Supported by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, the resource highlights the signs to look out for to identify if bullying is taking place, and gives tips on creating a safer school environment to help tackle and prevent bullying. It covers all forms of bullying, including verbal, emotional – such as deliberately ignoring someone – physical and cyber-bullying.
Ian Noon, head of policy and research at the charity, said: “Any child can experience bullying but we know deaf children and young people can be particularly vulnerable. Difficulties with language, communication and social skills, such as simply not understanding a joke that everyone else is laughing at, can contribute to a deaf child feeling isolated and at risk of being bullied by their peers.”
The National Deaf Children’s Society has also produced a guide for parents and resources for deaf children and young people. The resources show pupils that help is available and include postcards with individual tips such as what is bullying, how to deal with cyber-bullying and what to do if you are being bullied.
Visit: ndcs.org.uk/bullying