Bullying

Everyone has the right to be respected and the responsibility to respect others.

Identifying bullying

Bullying can be defined as deliberately hurtful behaviour that is repeated over a period of time. This can include

• Teasing, abusive remarks and name calling
• Threats and physical violence
• Damage to property
• Leaving pupils out of social activities deliberately
• Spreading rumours
• Upsetting mobile phone or email messages

If your know or suspect your child is being bullied

Parents and families are often the first to detect symptoms of bullying. As a parent, talk to your child about school, so that you're aware of any problem at the earliest possible stage. Common symptoms include headaches, stomach aches, anxiety and irritability. It can be helpful to ask questions about progress and friends at school, how break times and lunchtimes are spent and whether your child is facing problems or difficulties at school.

Don't encourage your child to hit back and don't confront the bully or their parents yourself. This sometimes makes things worse.

People you can speak with in order to resolve the problem

If you think that your child may be being bullied, talk to their class teacher or form tutor. If the problem continues, arrange to see the headteacher and ask to see a copy of the school's anti-bullying or behaviour policy.

If you think that the school is not doing enough to resolve the problem

You can speak to one of the school's parent governors. Consider making a formal complaint to the school or contact us. If the problem still remains unresolved, the Department for Children, Schools and Families can investigate the allegations with the school. You can also ring the helpline at Parentline Plus on 0808 800 2222 for general advice.

Anti-bullying procedures in schools

It is required by law that your child's school has an anti bullying policy, which sets out how incidents of bullying are dealt with. You have a right to know about this policy, which is as much for parents as for staff and pupils. Some schools operate a system of peer mediation, where pupils are trained to sort out bullying and problems between other pupils.

Anti-bullying policy and guidance

We publish guidelines on anti bullying (415 kb) for Southwark schools and educational establishments. To view this document, you will need Adobe Reader.

Further information

Bullying online
www.bullying.co.uk  
Provides support to families, individuals, schools and youth organisations.

Kidscape
www.kidscape.org.uk  
A charity in the UK established specifically to prevent bullying and child abuse.

Parentscentre
The parents centre bullying page offers advice to parents who are concerned that their child may be affected by bullying at school.

Parentline
How to deal with bullying webpage from Parentline.

Department for children, schools and families
The Don't suffer in silence website is intended to show pupils, their families and teachers how to tackle a problem of bullying.

Contact

Education welfare and attendance
Tel: 020 7525 2714
csewasdutydesk@southwark.gov.uk
Children’s services
John Smith House
144-152 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1JL