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Anti Bullying Week - How do we combat bullying?

Writer's picture: Rehnell BlackettRehnell Blackett

I hope you all got involved with Anti-Bullying Week which was from Monday to Friday this week. If you didn't or was unaware of it being Anti-Bullying Week please read this blog.


As the week is drawing to an end I wanted to take time to reflect on this week. I would like to discuss the impacts of bullying has on children, teens, young adults and employment.







1. How it can have an impact on employment for many young people?


2. How should we as employers or recruiters take this into consideration?


3. Are we missing out on the perfect employee or candidate?




Impact on employment for young people


Bullying has an impact on employment for young people as studies show that people who have been bullied or are being bullied lack confidence and self-esteem which has a major impact on many young people who are sat in an interview with an employer.


I am sure a lot of us can agree at some point we have been in an interview with one, two or sometimes three people staring at us, probing us with questions and for some of us, we leave feeling that is was such a daunting process.


Some people who have been bullied may feel as if they are being judged at an interview by their appearance, height, weight, race, religion or anything else that they have previously or currently being bullied about. This may leave a young person in a more vulnerable position they were in before attending the interview.


Although the interviewer may have good intentions as an interviewer interacting with people we should take this into consideration.



How should we as employers or recruiters take this into consideration?


Of course some roles i.e. sales boasts confidence and certain other roles but we should still morally show empathy and put someone at ease whilst they are within your premises. If you see young people showing signs of vulnerability it may be other reasons however one of them may be that they have been bullied or are being bullied.


Research from King's College London in 2015 shows that young people being bullied are more likely to:


  • Experience a range of mental health issues as an adult including suicide

  • Earn less money

  • Not to be in employment, education or training into adulthood

  • To be obese (particularly in women)

  • Not to gain qualifications

  • In unstable relationships


Research from University of Warwick and Duke Medical Centre suggests that the long term impact of bullying may even be worse than that of child abuse.





Photo's taken from UK Youth's Instagram post. Left photo Click here and right photo Click here



Are we missing out on the perfect employee or candidate?


YES we are missing out on sometimes a great loyal, talented employee or candidate if we bypass individuals who may have a lack of self-esteem or confidence which has been caused by bullying. The same person may be incredibly resourceful in many other areas and become a vital asset for the employer or as a candidate for a recruiter.


As a recruiter showcase their experience, talents and show why they should be appointed the position.


If you are an employer it's easy to see when someone is nervous and it may make you focus your attention on this at an interview or over the telephone. Try to make the young candidate at ease first, then find out as much possible to see whether they are a suitable match for the company or organisation.


If you have been a victim of bullying or you are currently being bullied you can speak in confidence. I have listed a few links below:









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