Safeguarding Bulletin
JUNE 2024


This month's focus… Banter vs Bullying
What is Banter�‬
Banter is teasing or joking that is amusing and friendly between people†‬where there is no power imbalanceâ€. ‬Most importantly it†‬is an exchange and not one way†‬–†‬each giving and taking an equal share of the teasingâ€. ‬It is neither designed to nor has the effect of shamingâ€, ‬upsettingâ€, ‬belittlingâ€, ‬offending or otherwise making anyone hearing it uncomfortableâ€.‬
What is Bullying�‬
Bullying is repeated behaviour that causes physical or emotional harm whether intended or notâ€. ‬It can be offensiveâ€, ‬insultingâ€, ‬humiliatingâ€, ‬abusiveâ€, ‬intimidating or maliciousâ€. ‬Bullying doesn’t require intentâ€, ‬what is important is the impact it has on the person being bulliedâ€.‬
When does banter cross the line�‬
In a group situationâ€, ‬if someone seems to get teased more than othersâ€, ‬or is the repeated target of a jokeâ€, ‬then it’s not banter anymoreâ€. ‬That person is being singled outâ€. ‬Often people will not be confident enough to stand up for themselves if they are hurt by somethingâ€. ‬They don’t want to be considered someone who can’t take a jokeâ€, ‬so they will often laugh along to not draw attention to themselvesâ€. ‬This means everyone is still under the†‬illusion that this is banterâ€, ‬not bullyingâ€, ‬and it will only be reinforcedâ€! ‬Don’t be a bystander†‬–†‬if you suspect some banter has become offensive to anyone involvedâ€, ‬don’t laughâ€. ‬Even better†‬–†‬call it outâ€! ‬Just because someone calls it banterâ€, ‬it doesn’t mean it is banterâ€!‬
Antibullying Resources

Free CPD online training
We've developed free CPD-certified anti-bullying online training for anyone who works with children and young people.
https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/tools-information/free-cpd-online-training
Search results for "bullying"
As a leading authority in safeguarding adults, we want to live in a world where people live safely, free from the risk of abuse.