To ensure we maintain a safe community, we must take actions against bullying and violence.
Today marks the eighth National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. This is a key anti-bullying event where Australian schools stand together and collectively condemn bullying and violence. Such initiatives prompt conversation about how bullying not only impacts our schools, but the effect it has on the general population. Bullying can often manifest in a number of different ways, namely:
- Insulting, yelling or swearing
- Spreading rumours, gossip or innuendo
- Threatening phone calls or text messages
- Physical abuse like pushing, poking or hitting
- Teasing or playing practical jokes on you at work
Unfortunately, bullying often finds its way into our everyday life. As a consequence, we can be left feeling isolated and helpless. There are, however, ways in which we can address an issue of bullying.
Bullying in school:
To overcome issues of bullying in a school context, please refer to our previous post on school bullying.
Bullying in the workplace:
Workplace bullying is repeated unreasonable behaviour which creates a risk to health and safety in the workplace. Fundamentally, we are all entitled to work in environments that are free from bullying and violence. However, there are certain circumstances where individuals are not afforded these rights. In the event that you are being exposed to bullying, you should do the following:
- Check to see if your work has a workplace bullying policy.
- Maintain a diary of the bullying instances.
- If you feel comfortable to do so, try talking to the person who is displaying the bullying behaviour.
- Report the bullying to a supervisor, manager or your HR department.
- Make a written complaint to your employer about the bullying.
- Make an application for an order to stop bullying.
- Discuss your situation with a lawyer to determine your legal rights.
If the bullying escalates to a point where you are in physical danger, you should contact the police immediately.
Should you find yourself in need of advice regarding bullying or in fact any other matter involving your children, we would be pleased to help and can be contacted on 8821 2199 or via our contact page.