Book synopsis

Siobhan is unhappy at school. Tormented by some classmates she feels unable to confide in her teacher or her mum. She has no one to talk to, no one to play with. One day she finds a strange brooch and it seems to help her… it makes her stronger. But then Siobhan realises that to take revenge means that she might herself become a bully, and so she must find the courage to speak out against the bullies.

Chapter 1,2,3 – Bullying and bad behaviour causes lots of unhappiness. What is bullying? It can include name-calling, taunting, threatening someone, hitting, leaving people out of games, demanding money.

Chapter 4,5 – Siobhan breaks the wig stand in the hairdressers. She is very upset about it. Discuss times when people might feel unhappy or scared or alone. It might be when faced with something new – like being in a new class or beginning a task such as a new school project; or learning a new skill like swimming; or staying away from home overnight

Chapter 6 – Siobhan does not want to go into the playground at break time as she is sure that no one will play with her. Look at the illustration on page 36 and try to write some words or a story about this scene. The rest of Siobhan’s classmates do not stand up to the bullies. Joining in with bullying, or watching as it happens and not saying anything, can mean that you are part of the bullying. If you feel that you might be in that situation then… Walk away. Tell someone. Ask for help. Bullies rely on people not telling. Bullying should not be kept secret.

Chapter 7-10 – Siobhan finds a story in a book that makes her think about her own life. It is a story from a long time ago, like a folk tale or a legend. Do you know any of your own folk tales? Think of a book where you wanted to take part in the story or to be one of the characters.

Chapter 11,12 – Harry tells Siobhan that she is becoming like the bullies when she begins to get her own back on Karen. Siobhan says that Karen deserves it. Discuss feelings of anger. Everyone gets angry at some time. What do you think makes people feel angry? What should we do or say when we are angry? Being upset now and then is normal, but when we are upset we shouldn’t try to upset others. Sometimes we may be so jealous or distressed that we begin to lose control of what we are saying or doing. We don’t take the time to stop and think. Bullies can be people who have been hurt by others, but this doesn’t mean that bullies should be allowed to spoil things for anyone else. Bullies can be scared too. If you are feeling angry or upset talk to someone about it and find things to do – share with others or try helping in school or at home. In school you might help out in the classroom, or in the dinner hall, or in the library, or in the playground with younger children.

Chapter 12,13 – Siobhan says that if you are being bullied there are only two things that you can do: say nothing or fight back. Mrs Allan says that there is a third choice – Tell someone you can trust. This is not an easy thing to do. Try to think of ways to do this.

Did you know that:
You don’t have to be brave to be a bully – but you do have to be brave to be bullyproof!

BE BULLYPROOF

DON’T
DON’T join in with teasing and taunting others
DON’T buy bullies off with sweets or money
DON’T hit back

DO
DO TELL SOMEONE. It doesn’t make you a sneak/grass/tell-tale. Find someone you can trust and tell them
DO try to stay with larger groups of people
DO shout NO! or GO AWAY! in a loud voice
DO try to stay away from places where bullies hang around
DO remember – IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT

IT HAPPENS by Theresa Breslin

It happens in the playground
It happens in the loo
They wait outside the school gate
Just to pick on you

Torment you, taunt you, call you names
Won’t let you join in any games

It happens at the bus stop
It happens in the class
They always know the right time
No adult walking past

Push you, pull you, nip and squeeze
Saying cruel things, just to tease

It happens in the corridor
It happens in the yard
They used to be your pals once
Now they hit you – hard

Take your sweets and crisps and money
Laugh at you, pretend its funny

It happens all the time
No one’s ever there to see
What I’d like to know is,
Why’s it always me?