Torbay Safeguarding Children Partnership

Every child and young person has the right to be taught in a positive learning environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve socially, emotionally and academically.

Unfortunately, bullying does take place both in and out of school, and parents, carers, teachers and other professionals have a duty to take action if they suspect or discover that a child is being bullied.

Bullying can seriously affect your child. It doesn't just involve physical abuse - it can include emotional and verbal abuse, racist remarks and cyberbullying. The impact of bullying can often be underestimated, it is important that as a parent or carer you can recognise the impact of bullying and recognise the signs.

Bullying includes:

  • Name calling
  • Making things up to get others into trouble
  • Hitting, pinching, biting, pushing and shoving
  • Stealing others belongings/money
  • Damaging others belongings
  • Taking friends away to make someone feel excluded
  • Cyberbullying
  • Spreading rumours
  • Threats and intimidation
  • Making silent or abusive phone calls
  • Bullies can also frighten others to the extent that they don't want to go to school, and pretend to be ill to avoid them

Recognising the signs:

  • Coming home with cuts and bruises
  • Torn clothes
  • Asking for missing possessions to be replaced
  • ‘Losing’ dinner money
  • Falling out with previously good friends and being rejected by peers
  • Being moody and bad tempered
  • Wanting to avoid leaving the house
  • Aggression with brothers and sisters
  • Academic progress may suffer
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety and insecurity
  • Being quiet and withdrawn
  • Presenting as unhappy and with low self-esteem
  • Poor attendance at school

Finding out that your child is being bullied can be a very stressful and distressing experience.

If you suspect or discover your own child or a child you know is being bullied talk to his/her Teacher or the Head Teacher. The school should have a bullying policy that you might be able to find on their website.

If you are concerned about someone else’s child, talk to the parents or carers.

You can access more help and advice from:


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