Classroom conversations, pastoral check-ins and family chats about bullying are easier when children have clear words for what is happening and practical ways to ask for help. Feeling Happy, Feeling Safe is a child-friendly bullying and friendships guide for use in school, at home, in the community and online.
Young people are supported to recognise bullying, feel less alone and take safer next steps when something is happening repeatedly and on purpose. The guide explains the STOP idea, meaning Several Times On Purpose, and describes physical, verbal, emotional and cyberbullying in straightforward language children can understand.
There is clear content on prejudice-related bullying, including bullying linked to race, faith, disability, sexuality, gender, age, appearance and social status. It also helps children separate bullying from conflict, teasing or banter, especially when jokes continue after someone is hurt, upset or under pressure to laugh along.
The practical advice is suited to children and young people who are experiencing bullying, as well as parents, carers, teachers and pastoral staff supporting them. It encourages pupils to speak to a trusted person, report bullying to school, talk to friends, practise assertiveness and put safety first if someone is hurting or threatening them.
A useful section on assertiveness introduces passive, aggressive and assertive communication, then gives simple phrases children can practise, such as saying “no”, “stop now, I don’t like it” and “that’s mine, you can’t have it”. The “fog it out” idea offers a visual coping strategy for dealing with insulting comments without escalating the situation.
Searchers looking for an anti-bullying PDF, school bullying help, cyberbullying advice, friendship support or assertiveness skills for kids will find the content directly relevant. The guide is produced by Kidscape.
