About the media
The media will not let themselves be “used”
Some families ask for advice on how they can “use” the media, but it is important to remember that the media rarely let themselves be used. It is through their independence that they matter, and that applies in bullying cases too.
You can contact the media and put your case, but they will then make their own enquiries, speak to the “other side” and form their own view. In some cases the media choose not to take the story further. Sometimes they cut recordings and comments, so that important parts are lost. Even so, the media are one of the most important champions in the fight against bullying.
Abuse of power is the media’s territory
In bullying cases, a child may stand alone against a group that bullies, and the family may be left standing alone against a school and a society that uses its means against the family rather than helping the child. Bullying cases can be moving, where the playing down of the problem, and any abuse of power, stands in stark contrast to the child’s suffering. That can make the case of interest to the media.
Many journalists have a genuine wish to help children and families who are subjected to this. The media’s constant reminder of what bullying costs has undoubtedly helped to put bullying on the political agenda.