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 imbalance‭. ‬Most importantly it‭ ‬is an exchange and not one way‭ ‬–‭ ‬each giving and taking an equal share of the teasing‭. ‬It is neither designed to nor has the effect of shaming‭, ‬upsetting‭, ‬belittling‭, ‬offending or otherwise making anyone hearing it uncomfortable‭.‬

What is Bullying‭?‬

Bullying is repeated behaviour that causes physical or emotional harm whether intended or not‭. ‬It can be offensive‭, ‬insulting‭, ‬humiliating‭, ‬abusive‭, ‬intimidating or malicious‭. ‬Bullying doesn’t require intent‭, ‬what is important is the impact it has on the person being bullied‭.‬

When does banter cross the line‭?‬

In a group situation‭, ‬if someone seems to get teased more than others‭, ‬or is the repeated target of a joke‭, ‬then it’s not banter anymore‭. ‬That person is being singled out‭. ‬Often people will not be confident enough to stand up for themselves if they are hurt by something‭. ‬They don’t want to be considered someone who can’t take a joke‭, ‬so they will often laugh along to not draw attention to themselves‭. ‬This means everyone is still under the‭ ‬illusion that this is banter‭, ‬not bullying‭, ‬and it will only be reinforced‭! ‬Don’t be a bystander‭ ‬–‭ ‬if you suspect some banter has become offensive to anyone involved‭, ‬don’t laugh‭. ‬Even better‭ ‬–‭ ‬call it out‭! ‬Just because someone calls it banter‭, ‬it doesn’t mean it is banter‭!‬

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