Whole school approach to anti-bullying in schools

Please see this padlet for guidance around how to respond to a specific incident of bullying.

Children and young people (CYP) should be made aware of their rights and responsibilities and the school's expectations regarding bullying. In addition to curriculum content this can be done through conference days, topic boards or assemblies where bullying can be discussed and the message that bullying is never acceptable can be reinforced.

CYP must be able to access information, advice and guidance around bullying and should know how to ask for help with bullying; for themselves and peers.

This support should be highlighted within the relevant lessons and also be promoted in key spaces in school such as toilets, entrances and via the school website.

See Young Minds guidance for CYP on how to deal with bullying and get help.

Impact of bullying

Bullying can be harmful and affect CYP's mental health in a number of ways, including making CYP feel depressed or anxious, have angry outbursts or low self-esteem, among others. Bullying can also have long-lasting effects on CYP's academic performance and other long term impacts on mental health, physical health and relationships.

• Bullying should be understood by all as a barrier to learning, a potential safeguarding issue and a wellbeing issue. See further guidance from the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA).
• CYP absence from school should be monitored as a possible indicator of bullying. If school absence is found to be due to bullying, then this should be formally recorded and action taken to support those CYPs. See these ABA resources about CYP absence and bullying.