Bully-Proof Words. Helping Children Respond to Bullying with Confidence, Safety and Support. A practical webinar for school staff and parents

When a child tells us, “They keep picking on me,” adults often know they need to act, but children also need practical words they can use in the moment.

This webinar explores how parents and school staff can help children respond to bullying behaviour with assertiveness rather than aggression, while making it very clear that it is never the child's responsibility to stop bullying alone.

Participants will explore the current Irish Bí Cineálta Procedures, how bullying is distinguished from conflict, disagreement and one-off hurtful behaviour, and how schools are expected to prevent and address bullying behaviour.

The session moves beyond simply telling children to “ignore it” or “stand up for yourself”. Instead, it provides short, low-pressure scripts children can practise in advance, such as “You are allowed to have your opinion”, “I don't agree”, “That's not OK with me” and “I'm walking away now.”

We will also explore reporting, cyberbullying, bystander behaviour, parent-school partnership and what adults should say when a child finally tells them what has been happening.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Understand bullying within the current Irish school context, including the definition and requirements of the Bí Cineálta Procedures.
2. Differentiate bullying from conflict, disagreement, teasing and one-off inappropriate behaviour, while recognising that all harmful behaviour still requires an appropriate response.
3. Teach and rehearse simple assertive scripts that children can use when faced with hurtful comments, exclusion, teasing, rumours or online behaviour.
4. Respond effectively when bullying is reported, using a child-centred partnership approach between the child, home and school.

Facilitator: Magdalena Landziak

Magdalena is an advocate for special and inclusive education and an experienced SNA, with over 10 years of experience supporting children with additional needs in primary school settings. She works as a tutor delivering QQI Level 6 SNA courses and provides CPD training for various Education Centres across Ireland. Recognising the need for ongoing, tailored support for SNAs, Magdalena founded SNA Academy to deliver practical, research-informed training and resources. She is also the Editor of AMYGDALA - the First National Magazine for SNAs, sharing insights, strategies, and inspiration to enhance inclusive practice in schools. Recently, she launched her own podcast, From the Bottom of My Heart, creating a space for meaningful conversations, inspiring stories and diverse perspectives on education, inclusion, wellbeing and life experiences. Magdalena holds a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education and SEN, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate (level 9) in 21st Century Teaching and Learning from Trinity College Dublin. She is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and equally dedicated to sharing her knowledge, experience and practical strategies with SNAs and educators to promote meaningful inclusion and strengthen everyday practice. Through her social media platform, @sna_zone, she shares practical strategies, educational resources, professional insights and inspiration to support SNAs and educators in their everyday practice.