Bullying at School

What is Bullying?

'Bullying' refers to physical or psychological chastisement or intimidation.

Bullying is particularly prevalent in schools, where bullying thrives because of a variety of factors, such as immaturity and gang culture.

The fear and psychological damage bullying may cause in a child victim was historically treated with relative disregard, but in the last twenty years, it has been recognised as a very serious problem. In the worst cases, it has led to severe depression and even suicide.

Bullying is also recognised as leading to increased truancy rates and therefore has an important impact on education.


Background

Bullying has always occurred in UK schools. Bullying seems to occur whenever groups of children are brought together and left without adequate supervision.

Until the late 1980s, bullying was not a major issue of public concern. Although people were aware of it happened, it appeared to be treated as inevitable.

As bullying only infrequently manifests itself in serious physical abuse, it is not usually covered by the criminal law of assault. In addition, the fear engendered into the victims of bullying and the social stigmatisation that follows often makes victims unwilling to bring attention to such incidents.

However, attitudes have changed, partly because of the activities of charities such as Childline, and today bullying is treated as an extremely serious issue. Charities and Government agencies are now doing more research and gaining an understanding of the impact of bullying.

In 1999, it became a legal requirement for schools to have some form of anti-bullying policy. In November 2003, the Department for Education and Skills published the 'Anti Bullying Charter for Action', which it encourages schools and children to sign. The change in perspective to focus on the child victim has led to the creation of a support network for victims of bullying and a reduction in the stigma once attached to being the victim of bullying.

Furthermore, in March 2005, the first independent Children's Commissioner was appointed with the role of promoting awareness of issues affecting young people, including bullying.


Statistics

In 2003 67 per cent of all schools had a separate anti-bullying policy

Over half of primary and secondary school pupils (51 per cent and per cent, respectively) thought that bullying was a 'big problem' or 'quite a problem' in their school

However, over 60 per cent of pupils thought their school was 'very good' or 'quite good' at dealing with bullying

Studies claim that at least 16 children commit suicide as a direct result of bullying in the UK every year

Statistics 1, 2 and 3: (Source - Summary report of DFES 2003 - 'Tackling bullying' and DFES anti bullying pack for schools, 2003); Statistic 4: (Source: 'Bullycide, Death at playtime' Neil Marr and Tim Field, 2001)


Quotes

"The three most helpful factors in helping of preventing bullying were friendships, avoidance strategies, and learning to 'stand up for yourself'."

"Pupils are encouraged to report incidents of bullying, but when they do, pupils frequently feel that they are not listened to or believed"

DFES 2003 report, 'Tackling bullying'

"I think if there had been more of an upfront discussion about bullying, and a series of things going in the school which recognised it could be a problem, and messages to me which said, `If this is getting too much for you, come and chat to somebody', I think it would have helped in a big way."

Ivan Lewis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Young people and Adult Skills, November 2003