What should I do if my child is being bullied?

Speak to your child’s teacher, explain your worries and ask them to keep an eye on the situation. Most cases of bullying are dealt with at school without the need for official action.

If bullying continues, take the following steps:

• Keep a diary of what your child says is happening.
• Write a note to the teacher explaining the problem is still unresolved.
• Write to the head teacher outlining everything that has happened.

Schools have a variety of sanctions they can use, depending on the seriousness of the allegation. These include a warning, detention, conference with everyone involved and in some cases an exclusion.

If your child has been assaulted at school, the matter can be dealt with by the school. In more serious cases contacting the police should be considered.

If your child is too frightened to go to school, you can contact the local education welfare officer to explain the situation. It is important to remember that children can be regarded as truants if they stay at home and parents can risk prosecution.

If your child is being bullied online, contact the site administrator.