I think what's important to understand when we're talking or reflecting on the topic of
bullying is that young workers are far more vulnerable to workplace bullying, and people
with disability are more vulnerable to it as well. So for young people with disability,
it can be an area where there needs to be a certain amount of vigilance. And I suppose
that's where it can be beneficial to have a support agency working with you when you're
in a job.
What's important around the notion of bullying is to understand that in the workplace - workplace
bullying - for it to be classified as such, it needs to be sort of behaviours which are
repetitive and unreasonable in the context. And they cause a risk to your health and safety.
So generally it's the kinds of behaviours that happen over a period of time, are not
appropriate to the situation, and really can risk how you feel in terms of your health
or your actual physical safety. And that's emotional and mental health as well, it all
sort of falls in there.
Bullying is unfair and it's inappropriate and it's generally the kinds of activities
or behaviours which might intimidate you or offend you, insult or humiliate you, and it
can be physical or it can be psychological as well.
If you're being bullied for any reason, or even for no reason, you should get in touch
with your occupational health and safety rep. If you don't have one, or you're working with
a smaller company, it's always good to talk to the Fair Work Ombudsman if this is happening
as well. You can get those details from their website.
The Ombudsman can investigate bullying and harassment if it's around personal characteristics
such as religion, or physical or mental disability.
I would also recommend linking in with a Disability Employment Services Provider if you've got
one, because they know a lot about some strategies to help you to identify where something might
be happening, and what you could potentially do about it.
But essentially bullying is not OK, and it does happen. So we need to be aware of it,
and then to shout out when it is actually happening. Because it is not OK, and it shouldn't
happen.
For more information, visit the Youth Disability Rights Hub at www.youthdisabilityright.org.au.