Bullying

Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally. (Preventing and Tackling Bullying, Advice for Head Teachers, Staff and Governing Bodies, DfE, 2011, p. 4)

It can happen in different ways:

  • Physical: Hitting, kicking, or pushing
  • Verbal: Calling names or teasing
  • Emotional: Leaving someone out or spreading rumours
  • Online (cyber): Being mean to someone on the internet or by messages.

Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated:

  • verbal
  • physical and/or
  • social behaviour

that intends to cause:

  • physical
  • social and/or
  • psychological harm.

This can make the person feel scared, sad, or alone. It can even make them not want to go to school.

If your child is being bullied

Talk with your child and ask what has been happening.

Speak to your child’s school. They will provide support and discuss any concerns and support. Ask to see the school’s anti-bullying and behaviour policy.

If the school does not help or ignores the bullying, ask for the school’s complaints policy. To find out more, visit Complaints about a school or academy.

If your child is bullied because of their disability, sexuality, gender identity, race, faith, or gypsy heritage, this could be a hate crime. You can report a hate crime on the Sussex Police website.

Hate crime (Sussex Police)

Where to get more help

Here are some groups and websites that can help you or your child:



Was this page helpful?

Click or tap the rating which best represents your experience.

Page rating 1
Poor
Page rating 2
OK
Page rating 3
Good
Page rating 4
Excellent