Bullying

Repeated behaviour intended to hurt. Schools must have a policy and must act.

What it is

Bullying is behaviour, usually repeated, intended to hurt someone physically or emotionally — including online. It is often targeted at a characteristic such as race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or disability.

Where it applies

All schools. There is no single legal definition of bullying, but schools must have measures to prevent it under the Education and Inspections Act 2006.

How it works

Where bullying relates to a protected characteristic it may also be harassment under the Equality Act, which gives an additional route.

Online bullying outside school can still be dealt with by the school where it affects pupils, and schools have powers over behaviour off site.

Some incidents are criminal — assault, harassment, threats, malicious communications.

What you can ask for

Report in writing, with dates, what happened, who saw it and what the effect has been. A written record changes how a complaint is handled.

Ask for the anti-bullying policy and ask what will happen and by when. Then ask for a review date.

If it is not resolved, escalate through the complaints procedure — and if it relates to disability or another protected characteristic, say so explicitly.

Where to get help

The school's anti-bullying policy. The Anti-Bullying Alliance, Kidscape and Childline all give free advice; Childline is free and confidential on 0800 1111.