Anti-bullying advice and support

If your child is being bullied, it can be hard to know what steps to take. This page offers advice, information and suggestions to help you support them.

Bullying in any form is unacceptable and can have devastating effects on a child’s learning, mental health and well-being. Its impact can last well into adulthood, so it is vital to encourage children to talk about their experiences and support them appropriately.

What is bullying?

The Anti-Bullying Alliance defines bullying as:

The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online.

Bullying can take various forms, including:

  • physical
    • pushing, poking, kicking, hitting, biting, pinching
  • verbal
    • name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, threats, teasing, belittling
  • emotional
    • isolating others, tormenting, hiding belongings, threatening gestures, ridicule
  • sexual
    • unwanted physical contact, inappropriate touching, homophobic abuse, exposure to inappropriate material
  • online/cyberbullying
    • posting on social media, sharing private photos, sending nasty text messages, socially excluding someone
  • indirect
    • exploiting or manipulating others

Signs of bullying

There is no single indicator of bullying, but signs to look out for include:

  • belongings getting lost or damaged
  • unexplained physical injuries, such as bruises
  • avoiding school or claiming to feel ill every morning
  • decline in academic performance or reluctance to complete homework
  • asking for or stealing money (potentially to give to the bully)
  • changes in behaviour, such as nervousness, withdrawal, or distress
  • altered eating or sleeping patterns
  • bullying behaviour towards others

How to talk to your child about bullying

Talking about bullying can be challenging. The NSPCC recommends you:

  • choose the right time
    • Make sure your child feels comfortable. They might prefer to talk in the car or at home.
  • help them express themselves
    • Suggest using a journal to draw or write their emotions, which can help them process their experiences
  • listen and reassure
    • Stay calm, even if you feel upset. Your child might feel scared or embarrassed, so let them share their feelings.

For more tips, visit the NSPCC guide on bullying.

Reporting bullying

If bullying is not reported, the situation may not improve. You can:

  • report the bullying to the school or organisation where it occurred (for example, clubs or online platforms). Schools are required to take action to address bullying incidents.
  • contact the police if the bullying involves a crime

For further advice, visit Bullying at school: Reporting bullying - GOV.UK.

Further information

Below are some resources offering advice and support:

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