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Tackling Bullying

NCJ Number
193500
Date Published
2002
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This manual guides parents in the United Kingdom on how to tell their child’s school that bullying is taking place and gives ideas of what the school can do to address bullying.
Abstract
The manual presents questions and answers about the nature and impacts of bullying and the specific actions that parents can take in interacting with the school. The discussion notes that bullying can be direct through physical actions or spoken words or can be indirect through leaving a child out of activities or not talking to a child. Bullying can take place at school or on the way to or from school. Bullying reduces children’s confidence and can lead to a fear of school. Parents who think that their children are being bullied should talk to the child and then speak to the school and perhaps say what they feel the school can do for their child. They should make a written list of incidents in date order with specific details. They should write to the school, describe the bullying, and ask for a meeting. They should send a copy of their letter to the Director of Education. It is important that the school show the child that they take the bullying seriously, tell the child what they are going to do, agrees with the child regarding the teacher to contact if further bullying takes place, and ensure that the school has a policy against bullying. Parents who believe that the school is not taking appropriate action can also follow the school complaints procedure. Other possible actions include writing to the Chair of Governors, asking their attorney to write a letter of complaint, complain to the government, involve the police, and consider legal action if the police will not act. Checklists and sample letter