Bullying and Cyber Bullying
Bullying
Bullying is repeated, intentional behaviour that hurts, harms, or intimidates someone who is perceived as vulnerable or less powerful. It can happen in schools, workplaces, communities, or any social setting.
Key features of bullying:
- Intentional harm — the behaviour is meant to upset, embarrass, or hurt someone.
- Repetition — it happens more than once or has the potential to happen again.
- Power imbalance — the person bullying may be physically stronger, more popular, older, or have some form of social advantage.
Forms of bullying:
- Physical: hitting, pushing, damaging belongings.
- Verbal: name-calling, insults, threats.
- Social/relational: excluding someone, spreading rumours, manipulating friendships.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place through digital devices and online platforms. It uses technology to target, harass, or embarrass someone.
Key features of cyberbullying:
- Digital platforms: social media, messaging apps, gaming chats, email, forums.
- Persistent and far-reaching: harmful content can spread quickly and be difficult to remove.
- Anonymity: people can hide behind fake accounts, making the behaviour harder to trace.
- 24/7 access: unlike face‑to‑face bullying, it can happen at any time.
Examples of cyberbullying:
- Sending threatening or hurtful messages.
- Posting embarrassing photos or videos without permission.
- Creating fake profiles to mock or impersonate someone.
- Spreading rumours online.
- Excluding someone from group chats or online communities.
Why both are harmful
Bullying and cyberbullying can affect a person’s mental health, confidence, relationships, and sense of safety. Cyberbullying can feel especially overwhelming because it follows people into their homes and can reach a wide audience instantly.
If you think your child is being bullied, please report this to the senior leadership team via the school office.
Support for Parents and Children
Helping Children Deal with Bullying & Cyberbullying | NSPCC
Cyberbullying - advice for parents and carers - UK Safer Internet Centre
DfE - Advice for parents and carers on cyberbullying