Bullying

Bullying is 'behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, which intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally' (DfE definition).

The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) and its members have a shared definition of bullying based on research from across the world over the last 30 years. ABA 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 include emotional and/or physical harm to such a degree that it constitutes significant harm (see Recognising Abuse and Neglect Procedure).

See Bullying - A Definition and Keeping Children Safe in Education - Statutory Guidance.

There is no legal definition of bullying. However, it's usually defined as behaviour that is:

• Repeated;
• Intended to hurt someone either physically or emotionally;
• Often aimed at certain groups, for example because of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Bullying can rapidly escalate into sexual or serious physical, emotional or psychological abuse (link to children harming others).

Under the Children Act 1989 a bullying incident should be addressed as a child protection concern when there is 'reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm'.

Although bullying in itself is not a specific criminal offence in the UK, some types of harassing or threatening behaviour - or communications - could be a criminal offence.

Bullying can be:

• Physical - for example, pushing, poking, hitting, kicking, biting, punching, including for filming with mobile telephones and theft;
• Verbal - for example, threats, name calling, spreading rumours, teasing, belittling, racist or homophobic remarks;
• Emotional - for example, isolating others, tormenting. Humiliation, manipulation, coercion;
• Psychological - for example, gas lighting;
• Cyber-bullying/Online Bullying - takes place using technology and can be the method of verbal, emotional or psychological abuse. Whether on social media sites, through mobile phone, or gaming sites, it can be devastating to the child involved. It can happen at all times of day with a potentially bigger audience;
  • By its very nature, cyber bullying tends to involve a number of online bystanders and can quickly spiral out of control. The methods of those who Bully online can be hidden and subtle. The DFE have issued guidance for school staff and parents and carers on how to recognise signs of cyber bullying and support children who are being bullied in this way - see Preventing Bullying.
• Sexual Bullying - there is no official definition but can be described as any bullying behaviour with a sexual element. It can be both physical and non-physical and it can be carried out to a person's face, without them knowing or through the use of technology. This behaviour can be between children and young people of any gender and/or sexual orientation, and between children and adults. For more information see Preventing and Responding to Sexual Bullying;
• Sexual Harassment is a similar term to sexualised bullying. It is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which makes someone feel distressed, intimidated or humiliated for more information see Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges (GOV.UK);
• Children can abuse other children (often referred to as child-on-child abuse) see Harmful Sexual Behaviour Procedure.

There is the potential for bullying wherever groups of children spend time together on a regular basis. Agencies should promote a culture of healthy interaction and discourage bullying. Professionals in all agencies should be alert to bullying and competent to support and manage both the victim and the abuser.

Staff should be supported by locally agreed thresholds and single agency policies to combat bullying. In the most serious cases, these should include discussion with the agency's designated safeguarding children professional and making a referral to LA Children's social care. Separate referrals for assessment and support should be made, one for the child victim and one for the child abuser in line with Children harming others procedure and referral and assessment procedures.

Where the bullying may involve an allegation of crime (assault, theft, harassment for example name calling, threats and abusive phone calls, emails or text messages) and hate crimes a referral should be made to the police at the earliest opportunity.

Partner agencies should consider tackling bullying as part of their wider role in safeguarding children and young people. The Anti-Bullying Alliance can provide support to local areas to tackle bullying in their communities.

By law, all schools must have a behaviour policy in place that includes measures to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils.

This policy is decided by the school. All teachers, pupils and parents must be told what it is.

Schools are the agency most likely to become aware of bullying and schools have statutory obligations to respond. Every school must have measures to encourage good behaviour and prevent all forms of bullying amongst pupils. These measures should be part of the school's behaviour policy which must be communicated to all pupils, school staff and parents

Headteachers also have the ability to discipline pupils for poor behaviour even when the pupil is not on school premises or under the lawful control of school staff.

Departmental advice for schools on preventing and responding to bullying