Bullying can make a child feel very isolated and damage self confidence, which then creates a vulnerability around him/her that bullies prey upon. At schools I have worked with, the best way they can help children in this position is to set up a Safe Space or an Angel Space. It needs to be a room that children who are feeling bullied, insecure or just not comfortable with the playground, can go to. It is not a common room. This is a room that children are invited to by teachers and there is a teacher/parent present all the time.

The children can read, talk, work on computers and feel safe and secure from any threats outside. Each child can also invite a friend to join them. They can use the Space before school, at recess, lunch and after school is needed.

I have used my Music Room as the Safe Space and I spend my recess and lunch there. The students who use it change in number and vary over the course of a school year as once they feel more secure, they move back into the school community of their own accord. The group has gone from 5 to 20 students at one time. The safe space needs to have a welcoming environment and to be seen as somewhere a student can be themselves without fear of ridicule or rejection. It is also important to only talk to them about bullying issues when they are ready to talk about it. Give them a few days in the Space to start to trust and feel secure again.

What do kids say about Safe Space?

"I was being bullied by some kids in my class. The music room was the only place I felt happy at school" Matt aged 12

"I come to the music room every lunch because I can be myself there" Alice aged 16

If you would like anymore information about Safe Spaces or you would like me to help set one up at your school, please contact me here.

Tags: Angel Space, bullying, safe space