Bullying: Prevention & Rights

1. Listen and stay calm

Let your child tell their story without interrupting. Don't minimise ("just ignore them") or overreact. Validate their feelings. Ask open questions: "What happened?", "How did that make you feel?", "Has this happened before?"

2. Record everything

Keep a dated log of incidents: what happened, when, who was involved, any witnesses. Save screenshots of cyberbullying. This evidence is essential if you need to escalate.

3. Contact the school

Start with the class teacher or form tutor. Be specific about incidents and dates. Ask what the school's anti-bullying policy says and what action will be taken. Request a follow-up meeting.

4. Put it in writing

After your meeting, send an email summarising what was discussed and agreed. This creates a paper trail. Ask for written confirmation of the actions the school will take and timelines.

5. Escalate within the school

If the class teacher hasn't resolved it: go to the head of year, then the deputy head, then the headteacher. At each stage, reference your log and previous communications.

6. Contact the governors

If the headteacher hasn't resolved it, write to the Chair of Governors. They have oversight of the school's behaviour policy. State clearly what has happened, what you've done, and what you want.

7. Formal complaint

Every school must have a complaints procedure. Follow it formally — this usually means writing to the headteacher (stage 1), then governors (stage 2). For academies, the trust has a complaints process. For maintained schools, the LA may get involved.

8. External escalation

If the school hasn't resolved it: Ofsted (England — concerns about safeguarding), Estyn (Wales), Education Scotland, ETI (NI). For discrimination, contact the Equality Advisory Support Service. In extreme cases, consider legal advice.