School Bullying and Cyberbullying

Bullying is behaviour that hurts someone, usually repeated over time, where the person doing it has some kind of power or advantage — for example age, size, popularity, numbers or information about the other person. It can happen at school, on the way to school, at clubs, at home or online.

Bullying can be physical, verbal, emotional or social. It may include:

• hitting, pushing, tripping or other physical harm
• threats, intimidation or making someone frightened
• name-calling, teasing that does not stop, or humiliation in front of others
• leaving someone out on purpose, or turning friends against them
• spreading rumours or lies
• taking, hiding or damaging belongings
• discriminatory abuse, such as racist, disablist, homophobic, biphobic or transphobic comments
• repeatedly targeting the same person, even in small ways

A single unkind comment or a one-off argument is not necessarily bullying, but it can still be serious and still worth reporting — especially if it involves violence, threats or discrimination.

Cyberbullying is bullying that happens through phones, computers, tablets or consoles. It can happen on social media, in messaging apps, on gaming platforms, in group chats, through photographs and videos, or through fake or anonymous accounts.

• abusive, threatening or mocking messages and comments
• being deliberately left out of group chats, teams or online games
• photographs or videos shared or edited to humiliate someone
• fake profiles set up to impersonate or embarrass someone
• pressure to share personal or sexual images, or threats to share them
• “pile-ons”, where several people target one person at once

Cyberbullying does not stop at the school gates. It can continue in the evenings, at weekends and during holidays, which is one reason it can feel relentless. Schools can still act on online bullying between their pupils, even when it happens outside school hours.

Every young person is different, and these signs do not automatically prove that someone is being bullied. Growing up brings plenty of ordinary ups and downs. What matters is a change from how someone usually is, or a pattern that keeps repeating.

• changes in mood — being tearful, withdrawn, irritable or unusually quiet
• not wanting to go to school, or feeling ill on school mornings
• unexplained injuries, torn clothing, or belongings that go missing or get damaged
• disturbed sleep, nightmares or trouble settling at night
• pulling away from friends, clubs or activities they used to enjoy
• becoming anxious or frightened about their phone, or hiding the screen
• a sudden drop in confidence, or in schoolwork
• changes in eating habits, or asking for extra money

You do not need proof to ask a gentle question or to raise a concern with a school. It is always all right to check in.

None of this is your fault, and telling someone is not “telling tales”. These steps can help:

1. Tell a trusted adult. This could be a parent, carer, another family member, a teacher, a form tutor, the head of year or the school’s designated safeguarding lead. If speaking out loud feels too hard, write it down or send a message.
2. Do not retaliate, and do not arrange to meet or confront the person bullying you. It can make things worse and can put you in danger.
3. Save the evidence. Keep messages, take screenshots, and note usernames, dates, times, what happened and who saw it.
4. Block and report abusive accounts on the app, game or website, where it is safe to do so. Save the evidence first.
5. Ask for help straight away if there are threats, violence, sexual images, blackmail, or pressure to meet somebody. Tell an adult you trust, and call 999 if you are in immediate danger.
6. Keep speaking until someone takes it seriously. If the first adult does not help, tell another one — a different teacher, the head of year, the headteacher, a parent or carer, or Childline on 0800 1111.

Hearing that your child is being bullied is upsetting. A calm, steady response usually helps them talk more openly.

Schools in England must have measures in place to prevent all forms of bullying, and should take reports seriously. The usual route is to start with the person closest to your child and move up if the problem is not resolved.

1. class teacher, form tutor or another member of staff your child trusts
2. head of year, phase leader or pastoral lead
3. designated safeguarding lead, especially where there is a risk of harm
4. headteacher
5. the school’s formal complaints procedure, if the matter is still unresolved

Complaint routes differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If your child is at school outside England, check the guidance published by your own government or education authority.

Most bullying is dealt with by schools rather than the police. But some behaviour can also be a criminal offence, whatever the age of the people involved. Examples include:

• assault, or any physical violence
• theft, or criminal damage to belongings
• harassment, or repeated unwanted contact
• hate crime linked to disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity
• threats to hurt someone
• stalking, including online
• blackmail, including threats to share images unless someone pays or does something
• taking, sharing or possessing sexual images of a child

If you think a crime has happened, you can contact the police on 101, or through your local force’s online reporting service. Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger or a crime is happening now. Reporting online sexual abuse, grooming or exploitation can also be done through the CEOP Safety Centre.

Not every bullying incident is a police matter, and involving the police is not always the right first step. Schools, safeguarding leads and charities can help you decide.

Bullying is sometimes connected to who someone is, or who other people think they are. This can include bullying linked to disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, or other personal characteristics.

Schools have duties under equality law and should treat this kind of bullying seriously. It is worth saying clearly, in writing, if you believe bullying is discriminatory, because it may change how the school records and responds to it.

Disabled children, and children with special educational needs, are more likely to need extra support. They may find it harder to report what is happening, or to be believed. Reasonable adjustments can help — for example a named adult to talk to, a quiet place at break, help with communication, or support written into an education, health and care plan.

You can read more on our nursery and schools page, which covers SEND support and your rights.

Bullying can affect confidence, friendships, sleep, appetite, school attendance and mental health. Some young people feel anxious, low, angry or ashamed, and some stop wanting to leave the house. These reactions are understandable, and they can improve with the right support.

• Talk to a trusted adult — a parent, carer, teacher or safeguarding lead.
• Speak to your GP, or a school nurse, if worries are affecting sleep, eating or daily life.
• Ask the school about pastoral support, counselling or a mentor.
• Contact Childline on 0800 1111, at any time, if you want to talk it through first.
• Use NHS 111 or an urgent mental health helpline if things feel like a crisis.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please read our suicidal thoughts and crisis support page, or call Samaritans on 116 123.

• GOV.UK — Bullying at school
• GOV.UK — Preventing and tackling bullying (Department for Education)
• GOV.UK — Complain about a school
• GOV.UK — Complain about a private school
• NHS — Mental health advice for parents
• NHS — Where to get urgent help for mental health
• NHS 111 online (or call 111)
• CEOP Safety Centre — report online sexual abuse or grooming
• Police.uk — contacting the police (101 and 999)

The following are independent charities rather than government services:

• Childline — bullying advice (0800 1111)
• NSPCC — Bullying and cyberbullying
• NSPCC Helpline — for adults worried about a child (0808 800 5000)
• Samaritans — 116 123, free, day or night
• Anti-Bullying Alliance — advice for children, families and schools
• Report Harmful Content — help when a platform does not act

Sixpence Support UK provides general information and a starting point only. This is not legal advice, medical advice or an emergency service. Helpline hours, web addresses and official guidance can change, so please check each organisation’s own website. In an emergency, always call 999.

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