Bullying
What do we mean by Bullying?
Bullying is the intentional, repetitive or persistent hurting of one person by another, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. It can take many forms and be verbal or physical or indirect, for example when someone is excluded from a social group or when malicious text messages are sent. Anyone can be bullied, and children can both bully and be bullied. It can happen in or out of school.
What must we do about it?
All schools are required by law to have a policy to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils. The governing body of a school, in consultation with the headteacher, should determine the school aims and policy in relation to anti-bullying and should have a written anti-bullying policy which:
(a) complies with the Human Rights Act 1998 and Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
(b) makes clear the governing body and head teacher will take actions to eliminate bullying in their school
(c) applies to the whole school community, both pupils and adults, and is clearly understood by all
(d) is publicised annually to the whole school community.
Good practice indicates that patterns and incidents of bullying behaviour should be monitored. Please use the link below to view guidance on reviewing your Anti-Bullying Policy:
We have been a pilot authority for the development of 'Social and Emotional and Learning Skills' materials. These provide helpful resources that primary schools can use and can be found at the following address:
For secondary schools, a toolkit can be found in Unit 4 of the Secondary Strategy materials. These can be downloaded from the following address:
The DfES has published an anti-bullying pack, 'Don't Suffer in Silence', and their site contains other helpful information and links for professionals, children, parents and carers:
There are examples here of specific strategies to use when bullying occurs, as well as advice on preventative approaches. There is also advice on dealing with parents who are concerned about bullying. You might find it helpful to consult the guidance offered to parents in Cumbria using the link below:
Who can help with Anti-Bullying work?
Several local services work to promote social and emotional well-being and so to prevent and tackle bullying. Some offer training on whole-school approaches that have been shown to be helpful in reducing bullying, such as peer support programmes. Some will offer advice when particular cases of bullying occur. Others will also work with you to support children who have been bullied or who themselves bully other children, involving parents and carers. Information about relevant activities from a number of services can be accessed, the link to these services will be added shortly.