Responding to bullying
Every bullying incident is unique and should be handled with care and sensitivity. Schools should take time to understand what happened, how it affected those involved, and what support is needed.
The response should focus on restoring relationships and helping everyone involved move forward. This includes supporting the child who was harmed, but also working with the child who displayed bullying behaviour to help them understand the impact of their actions and develop more positive ways of relating to others.
Confidentiality is important. Staff should consider the views of the child before sharing information with others, including parents. In some cases, involving parents may not be appropriate – for example, if it could put the child at risk or cause additional distress. However, in most cases, parents and carers can play a key role in supporting their child and helping to prevent further incidents.