Anti-Bullying Week expert says ‘just say no’

"We shouldn't be naive about it," reflected Martha Evans, the senior programme leader of then Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA). Everyone knows that bullying happens, and it may never be stopped completely. But it can be "massively reduced". In fact, she reports, things are already beginning to get better. ABA organises Anti-Bullying Week every November, a month when incidents of bullying in schools are often at their highest. But awareness of the issue is being raised, making it easier for those being bullied to report what is happening, and to put a stop to it. It also enables bystanders to identify what is happening, so they are less likely to ignore it. Bullying involves the intentional and repetitive harming of a person or group when there is an imbalance of power, explained Evans. The victims could tell the bullies to stop, but can be overpowered or outnumbered. But the power to stop bullying does not just lie with those who are directly involved, she stressed. Anyone can speak up against it. Despite encouraging signs, bullying is common in institutions around Britain. Westminster, NHSThe National Health Service, the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK. The NHS was founded in 1948. staff and the England cricket team have all been accused of a "bullying culture" during the last year. Kevin Pietersen, who was sacked from the national cricket team, called the team's dynamics "hugely disturbing". Meanwhile, almost an quartern of NHS staff complained of bullying, harassment or abuse from their managers or colleagues in 2014. But Evans countered that although some institutions are "historically not great", others do a "brilliant" job of reducing an atmosphere of bullying. She pointed to community outreach programmes by the police, and workplaces which don't "instil that culture of hierarchy"; she explained that often difference is celebrated and efforts are made to ensure people are "accepted and included". "You don't have to be friends with everybody," she explained. "But you do have to treat people with respect." The example set by certain politicians or sports stars is appalling, some say. How can we get rid of bullying if it is so deeply ingrained in our culture? Anti-Bullying campaigns should put more pressure on these role models to change their behaviour, which will promote a more tolerant, less combative society. As the culture surrounding us changes, bullying will simply become unacceptable. But society doesn't change just because some MPsMembers of Parliament. MPs are elected to represent people in 650 different geographical areas.  pretend to like each other, many reply. That has nothing to do with most people's daily lives. Instead, campaigns should focus on the impact one person can make by standing up and saying no. After all, if everyone pledged to stop bullying whenever they saw it, real change would happen very quickly. Q & A If I see bullying at school, what can I do? It may not be safe to step in and stop the bullying yourself, especially if there is physical abuse. In this case, you should find a teacher or another member of staff immediately. If you can, tell the bully to stop what they are doing, or simply invite the person being bullied to leave with you, and then offer them your support. Will it really make a difference? Bullying can have a severe effect on the bullied person's self-esteem, and this can sometimes even last into adulthood. No one deserves to feel that way, and sometimes knowing that another person is on their side can be a real lifeline. That's why this year's theme for Anti-Bullying Week is 'Make a noise'. If more people speak up about bullying, it will not be allowed to continue.KeywordsNHS - The National Health Service, the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK. The NHS was founded in 1948.