Understanding Bullying
- A Marsden
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
Bullying is one of the most worrying issues for both parents and schools. Whether your child is experiencing bullying, involved in unkind behaviour themselves, or witnessing it happen to others, bullying can have a huge impact on a young person’s confidence, wellbeing, and ability to engage with school.
At Compass Education, we work with schools to create environments where all students feel they belong and are treated with respect. But bullying can still happen — online, in corridors, on the way to and from school — and tackling it requires parents, schools, and students working together.
What Counts as Bullying?
Bullying is more than one-off disagreements or falling out with friends. It is:
✔ Repeated, intentional behaviour
✔ Intended to hurt, intimidate, or upset someone
✔ Can be physical, verbal, emotional, or online (cyberbullying)
✔ Often involves a power imbalance
Examples include name-calling, spreading rumours, exclusion, physical harm, or persistent online abuse.
Why Bullying Needs to Be Taken Seriously
Bullying affects every part of a young person’s life. It can lead to:
✔ Anxiety, low mood, and mental health issues
✔ School avoidance or poor attendance
✔ Poor concentration and disrupted learning
✔ Damaged confidence and self-esteem
✔ Long-term impacts on trust and relationships
No child should feel unsafe at school. Addressing bullying early helps protect their wellbeing and allows them to thrive.
How You Can Support Your Child
Whether your child is being bullied, involved in bullying behaviour, or unsure how to respond as a bystander, your support matters.
Here’s what you can do:
✔ Keep communication open. Check in regularly about friendships, how they’re feeling at school, and any concerns. Reassure them you’re there to listen without judgment.
✔ Take concerns seriously. If your child says they are being bullied, believe them. Avoid dismissing it as “just part of growing up” — bullying is never acceptable.
✔ Encourage positive peer relationships. Talk about what makes a good friend — kindness, respect, and loyalty. Support them to build friendships that help them feel safe.
✔ Work with the school. Report bullying concerns to your child’s tutor, pastoral team, or head of year. Schools have procedures to investigate and support students — and they can’t act on problems they don’t know about.
✔ Promote empathy and kindness. If your child has been involved in bullying behaviour, focus on helping them understand the impact of their actions and how to make amends.
✔ Talk about online safety. Much bullying now happens through social media, messaging apps, or gaming. Encourage your child to block, report, and avoid engaging with harmful content.
Where to Find More Support
If you’re worried about bullying, speak to your child’s school or explore the following resources:
With your support, your child can build resilience, develop healthy friendships, and feel safe and supported in school.
Comments