Mencap: Bullying of learning disabled sidelined by government

Mencap attacked the government today for failing to do enough to tackle the bullying of children with a learning disability.

In a report published as part of its Don’t Stick It Stop It campaign, the learning disability charity said the issue was not a priority for the government compared to other types of bullying, such as racist and homophobic bullying.

It called for schools and services used by children to be required to record all incidence of disablist bullying and for Ofsted to review progress on eliminating the problem. It also wants councils and children’s trusts to do more to tackle the issue. 
 
Mencap’s chief executive Jo Williams said: “Despite government recognition of the impact of bullying, we have not seen clear leadership in combating disablist bullying. Bullying results in children missing out on opportunities to learn and make friends, socialise and play, and can affect their development in adult life.” 

Research published as part of the campaign in June revealed over 80% of children with learning disabilities had been bullied. 
 
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Don’t stick it Stop it! campaign 
 
Anti-bullying week 19-23 November