Preventing Peer Bullying in Sport
Bullying is a serious harm that can spread quietly in team sports. This guide summarises ways to recognise, prevent and respond to it correctly.
What is bullying?
Bullying is one person or group repeatedly and intentionally harming someone who finds it hard to defend themselves. It has three core features: it is repeated, intentional, and involves a power imbalance. In this respect it differs from a one-off disagreement or an equal argument between parties.
Types of bullying
- Physical: Hitting, pushing, damaging belongings.
- Verbal: Insults, humiliation, threats, name-calling.
- Relational/social: Exclusion, gossip, cutting off from the group.
- Cyberbullying: Harassment, exposure or exclusion in messages, social media or group chats.
In sport, changing rooms, travel and online group chats are especially sensitive areas.
Warning signs
A bullied child may show unexpected loss of interest in sport, reluctance to train, withdrawal, mood changes, unexplained lost/damaged belongings or a drop in performance. A single sign is not proof; but noticing and gently asking is the start of bringing the problem to light.
A preventive culture
The most effective prevention is a culture that leaves no room for bullying. This is built on clear codes of conduct, an environment where respect and inclusion are openly expected, and bystanders not staying silent. Creating a reporting environment where children can speak safely and that is not seen as "snitching" is critical. Coaches' modelling sets this culture.
Intervention
When an incident is noticed, you should first ensure safety, handle the situation calmly and objectively, listen to the parties and record the event. The bullying behaviour should be addressed clearly but without stigmatising the child; provide support to the victim and boundaries and guidance to the one displaying the behaviour. Serious situations should be passed to the club's safeguarding officer and, when necessary, to the authorities.
The role of families
Families play an important role by communicating openly with their children, watching for behaviour changes and sharing concerns with the club. Teaching a child that reporting bullying is the right and brave thing to do makes a difference for both victims and witnesses.
Common mistakes
- Saying "kids will be kids": Normalising bullying perpetuates the harm.
- Focusing only on the victim: The one displaying the behaviour and the witnesses are part of the process too.
- Skipping the cyber dimension: Bullying increasingly moves online.
- Not recording incidents: Records are essential for consistent intervention and follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a joke and bullying?
Bullying is repeated, intentional, harmful behaviour involving a power imbalance. Unlike a mutual, equal joke, the targeted person struggles to defend themselves and is harmed.
What should witnessing children do?
They should be encouraged not to stay silent: if safe, support the victim without intervening directly, and report the situation to an adult. They should be taught this is responsibility, not 'snitching.'
How do you deal with cyberbullying?
Keep evidence (messages, screenshots), don't respond, block/report on the relevant platform, and inform an adult and the club.
References
- Olweus — bullying prevention programme principles.
- UNICEF — resources on tackling bullying for children.
- Safe-environment and safeguarding-in-sport frameworks.