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Disabilist Bullying is the term used to describe the bullying of someone based on their physical, mental or learning disabilities or perceived disability. Bullies may see children and young people with disabilities as being less able to defend themselves and less able to tell an adult about the bullying. The bullying behaviour is likely to be focused upon their specific disability or disabilities, whether they are in mainstream schooling or in specialist provision. "Nearly all children and young people with a learning disability are bullied. They can be bullied wherever they go - at school, at the park, in the street, on the bus and at youth centres. Many children with a learning disability are scared to go to new places and try new things because of bullying. Bullying has a long-term impact, making it harder for children and young people with a learning disability to develop skills and gain confidence - both of which are already hard for children with a learning disability." Mencap Some children and young people may also experience mockery of their specific disability or disabilities: mockery of their contribution to work or play and refusal by other children to work, play or interact with them. Children and young people who have a disability are potentially more likely to experience bullying because of perceived differences in their appearance, demeanour, at work or play or in their communication abilities. Low self-esteem often found in children and young people with disabilities can lead them to make friends with people who exploit them who, in reality, aren't really ‘friends' at all. This lack of confidence may also mean that they get hurt more easily and are less resilient in relationships with other children. In turn, the outward signs of bullying - a change in behaviour, low mood, dishevelled clothing or bruises - may not be picked up by adults as an indicator of bullying. Barriers to telling that bullying is taking place:
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