Bullying

Bullying is behaviour that makes someone feel hurt, frightened or left out. It can happen in person or online and can affect children and young people of any age.

If you or your child is experiencing bullying, support is available. We work with schools, pupils and families to prevent bullying and to take action when it happens.

What bullying looks like

Bullying can take many forms. It may include:

• hitting, pushing or other physical harm
• verbal abuse or name-calling
• gestures or facial expressions used to mock or intimidate
• behaviour that humiliates someone or lowers their confidence
• actions that isolate people or make them feel unsafe
• misuse of technology such as mobile phones, social media or messaging apps

Bullying is not acceptable, whether it happens face-to-face or online.

Bullying in schools

Our schools aim to be safe and supportive places where children and young people are treated with respect. Teachers and school staff encourage positive behaviour and respond when bullying is reported.

We support pupils who are affected and work with everyone involved to stop bullying and prevent it from happening again. Schools also promote positive behaviour and reward achievement.

Parents and carers can help by talking to their child about respect, behaviour and staying safe online. Parent Councils are encouraged to be involved in building a positive school environment.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying happens online, for example, through texts, messaging apps or social media. It can be especially upsetting because it may happen outside school hours, and you may not know who is responsible.

We have put together a pack of leaflets for children, young people and parents/carers that provide information on dealing with cyberbullying. The pack contains the following:

• leaflet for nursery children and pupils in Primary 1-3
• leaflet for pupils in Primary 4-7
• leaflet for pupils at secondary school
• leaflet for parents/carers

Get help and advice

You can read our Treat me Well guidance and download cyberbullying leaflets for different age groups and for parents and carers. These explain how to report bullying, where to get support and how to stay safe.