How can parents & schools tackle bullying?
Bullying is…
’Behaviour by an individual or group, usually repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally’ (DCSF ‘Safe to Learn 2007).
Children or young people may:
- be frightened of the journey to school
- refuse to attend school
- arrive home very hungry
- come home with possessions destroyed
- ask for extra money
- have unexplained cuts and bruises
- have difficulty coping with schoolwork
- have nightmares and cry in their sleep
- seem unhappy but refuse to say what is wrong
- be upset or secretive about e mail, text or phone messages.
If your child is bullied:
- listen calmly to your child and take what he/she says seriously
- reassure your child that it is not his/her fault, make a note of what happened when and who was involved
- tell your child that you will find ways to ensure his/her safety, make an appointment to see your child’s teacher, find out what action the teacher plans to take and when
- keep in touch with school
- let school staff know if things improve or if there are further incidents, do not confront the child or parents yourself
- work together with school staff
- ask to see copy of the schools anti-bullying policy,
- seek advice or information from our anti-bullying web site: www.beyondbullying.com
If you are not satisfied with the response from school:
- make an appointment to see the Headteacher, explain why you want the appointment so he/she can investigate before the meeting,
- after the meeting, give the Headteacher time to deal with the situation,
if you are still not satisfied with the response, make a formal written complaint to the Chair of Governors, in your letter of complaint – explain what has happened and tell the Chair what you would feel to be a satisfactory outcome, remember that the most important thing is your child’s well-being and safety – not revenge.
- All schools are required by law to have a written anti-bullying policy and effective procedures in place.
- Schools are under a legal duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students (s.175 Education Act 2002).
- “Safeguarding” encompasses issues such as child protection, “public health and safety and bullying” (DfES/0027/2004 Safeguarding Children in Education).
- The anti-bullying policy should represent the school’s “promise” as to how it will address bullying problems.
- As a parent you should always request a copy of the policy if your child is being bullied so you are aware of the school’s procedures.
Remember – Schools can only help if they know what is happening.
- Maintaining acceptable standards of discipline and behaviour in schools, regulating the conduct of their pupils. acting in accordance with policies written by the Governing Body
- Schools have the power to impose a range of sanctions against pupils who are involved in bullying incidents outside of school
- formulating a whole school discipline policy, producing an effective complaints procedure
- making sure that the National Curriculum is delivered; this includes Personal and Social Education
- formulating an anti-bullying policy based on national and local guidance,
- procedures being in place to ensure that risks of harm to children’s welfare are minimised
- ensuring that all appropriate action is taken to address concerns about the welfare of a child.
- Schools have a duty to work with other agencies to safeguard and promote the well being of pupils
- safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children under s.175 Education Act 2002, this means that LA’s have a monitoring role to ensure that an anti-bullying policy is in place and that effective procedures, based on national and local guidance, are followed
- talk to your children about how they treat others who are younger or less able or different from themselves
- encourage your children to think about how others feel, tell them that they can help stop bullying by befriending and supporting children who are less able to cope with teasing,
- bullying behaviour can happen at any age – check your own actions,
- lead by example – think before you tease those who perhaps are not as strong as you
- look at Leicestershire’s anti-bullying web site for information, guidance and advice. www.beyondbullying.com
Together we can create a calmer, happier environment.
If you child has be subject to a hate incident, it is important you report it so it can be accurately recorded & monitored. What is a hate incident?
Please see our report hate web pages to complete the online form
Leicestershire Children and Young People’s Service has an Anti-Bullying Strategy Team to work with schools and the community to develop effective anti-bullying policies. Our main aim is to reduce the levels of bullying in all schools. A Leicestershire-wide anti-bullying strategy is now in place. Schools can access a range of support, advice, information and training to develop effective anti-bullying policies.
An important part of the strategy was the development of Leicestershire County Council anti-bullying website at www.beyondbullying.com
The website has sections providing up to date information, advice and support for parents, school staff and students/pupils. If your child is bullied outside school, you can still contact the school for advice and support. Leicestershire has produced a number of guidance leaflets for parents and carers which are available via the website.
Page Last Updated: 12 November 2010
