Print this page 
Anti-bullying policy
The law requires schools to have a behaviour policy that
includes measures to prevent all forms of
bullying among pupils (Education and Inspections Act
2006). We think it’s good practice for schools to have
a stand alone anti-bullying policy that aligns
with the school behaviour policy – bullying is a big issue for a
lot of children and their parents and carers and this sends out a
strong message that you take it seriously.
As with the defintion of bullying - the most
important thing is that the policy is created and shared by all
members of the school community. We have deliberately not
included an example of an anti-bullying policy on this website
as every school is unique and it is for you to work with
staff, students and their parents and carers to decide the
right policy for your community.
A policy is no use if it just sits on a
shelf - it should be a living document that is
regularly tested and reviewed. To help you
along as you start the process of designing or reviewing your
existing policy - we would recommend that you consider including
the following:
- A clear definition of bullying
- Your vision for what you want the school to
be – a place where everyone is safe from bullying and
harassment
- Description of the different methods and
practices of bullying
- Your prevention strategies (e.g. curriculum
work, peer mentoring and befriending, playground monitoring,
etc)
- Your response strategies (including reporting
mechanisms, data collection, sanctions, communication with parents
and carers, work with bullies and bullied)
- A comment on bullying outside of school
(including school sanctions for behaviour outside of school)
- A process for regular review by all members
of the school community