We share some top tips to help dental practitioners recognise the signs of bullying and what they can do to help.
In light of research that has shown a correlation between malocclusion, self-esteem issues and bullying, Kidscape and the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) have joined forces to help bullied young people.
Being bullied is often a motivating factor in seeking dental and orthodontic treatment, which puts dental professionals in a distinctive position to be able to recognise when children are being bullied and give them the support they need.
Here, Kidscape has provided some top tips for dental practitioners to help recognise the signs of bullying and what they can do to help.
What are the signs of bullying?
What is bullying?
Bullying is any behaviour that is intended to hurt, is repeated and where it’s hard for the person or people on the receiving end to defend themselves (in other words – the bully has the power). Children are most often bullied by other children but can also be bullied by adults.
The impact of bullying
Without appropriate support in place, bullying can have profound and long-lasting effects.
- Young people may experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation
- Bullying can impact on concentration and learning. Children may avoid school altogether
- Stress from bullying can manifest in physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, and sleep disturbances
- Young people may find it harder to form or maintain friendships, leading to further isolation and loneliness
- In severe cases, bullying can lead to self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Research [https://www.kidscape.org.uk/bullying-and-trauma] has shown that bullying can be conceptualised as a traumatic experience.
Identify children at risk
Be on the lookout for potential signs of distress in young people (tearful, upset when talking about their dentofacial appearance), alongside listening to what their parent or carer reports.
Signs that parents and carers may report that could indicate their child is experiencing bullying:
- Any change in behaviour (louder, quieter, angrier, sadder)
- Being scared to go to school or take part in their usual activities
- Unexplained illness like tummy bugs and headaches
- Disturbed sleep
- Bedwetting
- Injuries.
How do I support young patients who may be at risk of bullying?
Create a calm, supportive clinic environment
Dental practitioners can create a warm, positive atmosphere in their clinics, where talking about wellbeing is encouraged.
Young people and their families may not talk about concerns unless they are invited to do so. Practitioners should aim to listen without judgement, respond calmly, reduce shame by using normalising language, and validate their patient’s experiences.
For example, you can ask questions such as: ‘How are you?’ and ‘How is school?’, and gently enquire about other activities they may engage in, such as extracurricular sports, Scouts or Guides.
Other questions which may prompt discussion include:
- ‘How are you feeling about your teeth?’
- ‘Young people who may need braces (or other dental treatment) can often feel more self-conscious. Is that the case for you?’
Children may be very reticent to disclose experiences of bullying, and it may require more than one visit to determine whether bullying is a factor.
If a young person does speak about bullying, listen and reassure them that they have done the right thing and support is available.
Be aware of the impact on parents
Being bullied can have an impact on a child’s parents, carers and wider family due to feelings of worry, stress and differences in opinions on how to manage the situation.
Kidscape has a Parent Advice Line [www.kidscape.org.uk/parent-advice-line] that is available to help.
Find out what support is already in place
Explore the child’s support network. Is there a ‘safe adult’ in the school environment (or whatever setting in which the bullying is taking place) that they could speak to, if they haven’t already done so?
Some schools may have anonymous reporting mechanisms. Encourage the young person and their parent to refer to the setting’s anti-bullying policy to be clear about the steps that should be taken to keep them safe. Encourage them to start a log of the incidents and the impact.
Explain and educate
Dental professionals can educate both the child and their parents about dental concerns and their effects, such as malocclusion and tooth discolouration, fostering understanding and therefore helping them to cope with negative comments.
Kidscape Parent Advice Line
Empower the child
Explain to young people that they do not deserve to be treated in this way, and they have done nothing wrong. A person’s appearance isn’t a joke, or something that others are entitled to comment on. Appearance does not determine worth. Kidscape offers a free ZAP workshop that can help young people with assertiveness skills.
Provide treatment options
Dentists and orthodontists can provide corrective treatments – such as braces, to address malocclusion and improve the appearance of teeth – helping to boost the child’s confidence. It is important to be aware that the impact of bullying may not automatically reverse after treatment.
Signpost when necessary
As a dental practitioner you have a unique role in supporting the young person and their family. It is important however to be aware of the scope of your role and when to signpost to other services such the GP, local youth counselling services or the school nursing service to help the child cope with emotional challenges.
Be aware of bullying and the law
It is important to be aware of the legal duties of school and public authorities regarding bullying. Schools have a legal duty to prevent all forms of bullying and harassment and must take action to prevent and respond to bullying behaviour.
A bullying incident should be addressed as a child protection issue (child-on-child abuse) under the Children Act 1989 when there is ‘reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm’ – whether this happens in school, on transport, at the child’s home or in the community.
Health professionals have a responsibility for raising concerns, sharing information and working with statutory agencies to support child protection processes – which may apply to children and young people impacted by bullying behaviour. Make sure you record any concerns, are aware of children’s safeguarding procedures applicable to your workplace and who to speak to if you are concerned about a young person.
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