1 What is bullying?
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.
It is not one-off incidents, no matter how aggressive the attack, or accidental harm.
2 Bullying in schools
We always recommend that parents and pupils speak to the school first.
All schools, by law, must have an anti-bullying policy. This is 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 complaints procedure.
3 Bullying outside of school
If bullying has occurred at a West Sussex County Council partner organisation, such as a public facility like a swimming pool, or within a service provided by a local council, we recommend you contact your local Early Help hub. That way, our trained staff can provide information, advice and guidance, which may include a referral to other services.
Early Help hub contact detailsIf the bullying occurred at a commercial venue, we recommend you speak to the venue's manager. If you feel it is appropriate, the matter may also be referred to the police, particularly if physical assault or threat of violence is involved.
- Phone (non-emergencies): 101
4 Further support and advice
- Anti-bullying Alliance - A coalition working together to stop bullying and create safe environments for children and young people
- Bullying UK - Information, advice and support on all aspects of bullying
- Chathealth - Confidential support and advice on any health issues from a school nurse via text messages
- ChildLine: Bullying - Information and support for young people
- Family Lives - Recommended site for parents and carers
- GOV.UK: Bullying at school - Guidance on the law and reporting bullying
- Kidscape - Guidance on helping to prevent bullying
- KidSMART - How to help children stay safe online
- The Cybersmile Foundation - Anti-cyberbullying non-profit organization
- The Professionals Online Safety Helpline - Helps all members of the community working with or for children in the UK
- Thinkuknow - Online technology information from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre
- Your Space: Bullying - Information on bullying for young people