What is bullying?
Bullying is behaviour that is intended to hurt someone, happens repeatedly and involves an imbalance of power.
It can include:
- Verbal bullying — repeated name-calling, insults, threats or hurtful comments.
- Physical bullying — repeated physical behaviour intended to hurt or intimidate someone.
- Social bullying — deliberately excluding someone, spreading rumours or trying to damage their friendships or reputation.
- Online bullying — bullying through messages, social media, group chats, games or other online spaces.
- Prejudice-based bullying — targeting someone because of a characteristic such as disability, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.
Bullying or a disagreement?
Sometimes friendships go wrong, people fall out or someone behaves unkindly. That can still be upsetting and you can still ask for help. Bullying is usually repeated, intentional behaviour where there is an imbalance of power.
You don't need to decide whether something “counts” as bullying before asking for help. If something is worrying you, tell a member of staff.
What should I do?
If it's happening to me
Tell a member of staff you trust or use Report a Concern. Explain what's been happening and give as much information as you can.
If I see it happening
Don't ignore it. Tell a member of staff or report your concern so that the right support can be provided.
If I'm worried about a friend
Talk to a member of staff or report your concern. You don't have to deal with the situation on your own.
Bullying Online
Bullying can also happen online, including through social media, messages, group chats and gaming. If something happening online is upsetting or worrying you, tell a trusted adult or member of staff.
REPORT A CONCERN
What happens when I report bullying?
If you use the Report a Concern form, give us as much information as you can about what has happened. Your pastoral leader will speak to you after your report has been received. Reports submitted through the form are responded to during school working hours.
Who can I talk to?
You can speak to any member of staff you trust. This could be your tutor, teacher, Pastoral Leader or a member of the Welfare Team.
Meet the Welfare Team