Ben has a learning disability and, shockingly, research from Mencap shows eight out of 10 children with learning disabilities have been bullied. Sadly, disabled children are often seen as "different" by others, and are easy targets because they may find it harder to tell people, or because they don't necessarily recognise bullying.
The theme of Anti-Bullying Week - Being Different, Belonging Together - offers a real opportunity to raise awareness and challenge disablist bullying. This year the Department for Children, Schools and Families launched its guidance Bullying Involving Children with SEN and Disabilities. At its core is a reminder to schools of their responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. The framework for tackling bullying of disabled children is clear, and schools need to ensure they comply with the law. However, it appears some may not understand their duties. Members of Mencap group Me2 are working to change this and, as members of Young ABA, will meet with Children's Secretary Ed Balls at the launch of Anti-Bullying Week.
- Sarah Mepham is information and policy officer at Mencap
MENCAP FINDINGS
- "I told my teachers at school and they said I had special needs so I should get used to it as I would be bullied all my life" (Bullying Wrecks Lives, Mencap, 2007)
- Eight out of 10 children and young people who have learning disabilities have been bullied
- Six out of 10 children and young people with a learning disability have been physically hurt.
