The Impact of Bullying on Deaf Children and Young People, e‐learning modules by the National Deaf Children's society, 2022, available free of charge at https://www.ndcs.org.uk/our‐services/services‐for‐professionals/training‐courses/e‐learning/the‐impact‐of‐bullying‐on‐deaf‐children‐and‐young‐people

In 2021 there were at least 45,060 deaf children in England (CRIDE, 2021) and 78 per cent mainstream educational settings. It is highly likely, therefore, that many people working these settings will some point meet a child. Any level of hearing loss can have an impact on children, not only terms their communication language development but also social emotional development. Deafness be temporary or permanent, unilateral bilateral range from mild where child may struggle to hear speech clearly, through profound they no access all. Depending the type loss, use audiological equipment (hearing aids, bone conduction hearings, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices) communicate variety ways using sign language, mixture both. Bullying continues risk for all regardless background, research highlights young with special needs disabilities are potentially more vulnerable being bullied (DFE, 2018) as studies specifically focused shown (Bouldin et al., 2021). The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) has produced Impact Children Young People support those identify potential bullying provide appropriate necessary. resource presented two modules, each taking around 30 minutes complete. first module introduces deafness aims explain why bullying. Attention drawn issues such needing which set them apart peers; difficulties peers understanding what saying responding appropriately; communicating others though discussed detail. might mentioned, example, its limitations, understand – optimal aid 1.5 m so if someone calls behind, distance, do respond, this taken ignoring rude. Module 2 follows up activities three characters discussion experiences Carmen (13 years), Barnardo years) Ursula (7 different levels deafness, methods. Each character presents scenario followed by questions learners apply new knowledge identify, respond report concerns. scenarios look types although actions reasoning behind explained well, suggestions strategies promoting inclusion would been useful. content interactive, information provided written spoken English British Sign Language (BSL). modules includes explore quizzes learner check knowledge. introduction challenges face opportunity learning. easy navigate goes ‘back basics’ defining explores detail lots specific examples extensive general, one reference deafness. multiple-choice question format same ‘What …?’ For staff feel repetitive; however, subject behaviours useful consider. Signposting additional resources Anti-Bullying Alliance provided. provides valuable recap already is. particularly helpful wanting gain better clearly introductory professionals basic vulnerability people.