Why don't children tell?

Over 16,000 children from primary and secondary schools in Strathclyde, Scotland were asked about bullying. Children who were bullied explained why they find it difficult to report bullying to an adult. The main reasons are: being afraid of what the bully might do if he/she found out; not wanting to be thought of as a tell-tale; not wanting to cause their parents anxiety; feeling bad about not being able to stand up for themselves and also being worried about losing friends.
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Article details

A McLean (1994) 'Background Reading for Schools', Book 8 in the pack 'Bullyproofing Our School. Promoting Positive Relationships', Strathclyde Regional Council, Department of Education. This article can be viewed here.
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Author details

At the time of this study, Alan McLean was Principal Psychologist based at the Education Department Psychological Service in the former Strathclyde Regional Council. His particular interests in the area of bullying include: links between bullying and motivation; the thinking processes and self-esteem of the bully.

He can be contacted at by email.
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