Anti-Bullying Week: Resources for clubs

Anti–Bullying Week 2021 takes place this year on 15th–19th November

Coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), this annual UK event aims to raise awareness of bullying of children and young people.

During Anti–Bullying Week in 2020, members of parliament, Premier League football clubs like Manchester United, and A-list celebrities all joined in the conversation on social media.

But it’s not just about raising awareness. The ABA also provides useful resources and tools for schools to help tackle bullying. You can learn more about the important work ABA and its partners do, as well as download resources, on ABA’s website.

If you offer a sport or activity to children or young people, you’re legally required to safeguard them. So for this year’s Anti–Bullying Week, we have provided checklists and resources to help you, your staff and volunteers keep your young members safe all year round.

Don’t forget, you can also take part in discussions happening in our Facebook Community Groups.

Things to consider when writing and updating your anti-bullying policies

• How do you create a caring and friendly ethos and safe environment at your club?
• How do you report any incidents of bullying, should they occur?
• Are your staff trained to recognise the signs of bullying and know the procedures on your safeguarding policy?
• Do you have quick and manageable timeframes to complete your protocols?
• Who do you inform and how? Do you readily have contact details available for those people (e.g parents/ police / Local Authority Designated Officer)?
• What appropriate actions will you take against the bully once recognised – methods of apologies/suspensions or exclusion?

Safeguarding checklist

• DBS checks for ALL relevant staff. Checked regularly
• Appropriate physical contact – how will you get consent for this?
• Use of photographs and film – have you got consent and how will these images/videos be stored?
• Consent for sharing of images via social media platforms
• How do you ensure welfare is promoted and maintained for ALL age, (dis)ability, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief or any other identities?
• What measures do you have in place to keep data secure in line with GDPR?
• Who have you nominated as your safeguarding lead within your club?
• What procedures do you have in place should any allegations be made against you?
• How often will you review your policy?
• What training do you need to do yourself? Provide to your staff? (e.g. First Aid, FGM, Prevent?)

Resources

• Swim England: Wavepower 2020-23: Child safeguarding policy and procedures for clubs
• NSPCC: My Magic Sports Kit
• British Gymnastics: Safeguarding
• The FA: Safeguarding policy and procedures
• Dance School Safeguarding Working Group: Safer Dance
• Gov.uk: Keeping children safe in out-of-school settings

If you have any resources or advice to combat bullying, get in touch on social media or join the conversation in our Facebook Community Groups.