Bullying
One of the most difficult times in a child's school life can
be when they encounter a bully. Bullying can be defined as
deliberately hurtful behaviour, repeated over a period of time,
where it is difficult for those being bullied to defend
themselves.
School based bullying
We always recommend that parents and pupils speak to the school
in the first instance. All schools, by law, have to have an
anti-bullying policy, normally part of the behaviour policy, which
sets out how it deals with incidents of bullying. You have a right
to know about this policy which is as much for parents as for staff
and pupils.
If you wish to make a complaint about how an incident or
incidents of bullying have been handled, you should follow the
School's Complaint Procedure.
Non-school based incidents
If bullying has occurred at a West Sussex County Council (WSCC)
partner organisation, such as a public facility like
a swimming pool or other establishment or service provided by local
and district councils, then we recommend you contact our Action
Against Bullying Support Line - 0845 075 1010.
Action Against Bullying Support Line
The Action Against Bullying Support Line is available on 0845
075 1010, 8.00am-6.00pm, Monday-Friday. Calls will be handled
through trained staff members who will provide information and
guidance, and referral to other specialist services, including the
West Sussex Bullying Caseworker.
If the bullying occurred at a commercial venue, we recommend you
speak to the venue's manager. If you feels it is appropriate, the
matter may also be referred to the police particularly if physical
assault or threat of violence is involved. The non-emergency police
number is 0845 60 70 999.
Would you like to talk to someone?
WSCC takes bullying incidents very seriously, so in order to
help parents, carers and professionals an Action Against Bullying
Support Line was set up in November 2008.
The support line can provide further information and
support, as well as enable you to make a referral and report
bullying. You can call the Action Against Bullying Support Line on
0845 075 1010, 8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Other places you can get support and advice
We recommend contacting Family
Lives, a national helpline available 24-hours a day, 365
days a year; they also have a comprehensive website.
Family Lives produces information and materials on a range
of parenting issues and specific information and materials on
bullying.
You can access this service via the following methods: