4.6) We have implemented strategies to encourage community cohesion and prevent bullying

Rating description:

  • Fully met: Our school has put in place varied and ongoing initiatives and strategies to encourage peer-to-peer support/ defenders such as anti-bullying ambassadors and buddy schemes; and pupils report that these initiatives are making a positive impact. Break times include options for structured play. 
  • Partially met: Our school has put in place some initiatives and/ or strategies to encourage peer-to-peer support/ defenders, however pupils have not been asked about the impact of the initiatives. Break times include options for structured play.
  • Not yet met: Our school no initiatives or strategies to encourage peer-to-peer support/ defenders. Break times do not include options for structured play. 

Why is this important?

Implementing strategies to encourage peer-to-peer support and defenders empowers pupils to play an active role in creating a positive school culture. When pupils support one another and stand up to bullying, it reinforces values of kindness, empathy, and responsibility. Peer defenders can help to de-escalate situations, provide reassurance to those targeted, and model inclusive behaviour, making the school a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.

Top Tips:

  • There has been a lot of work done in recent years to build up peer support and defender strategies in schools. There is a variety of possible peer strategies to explore, such as:
    • Buddy schemes
    • Circle of friends
    • Peer mentoring
    • Peer listening
    • Peer mediation
    • Bystander/defender training
    • Transition ambassadors (for secondary schools - older pupils trained to help support Y7 students and other students new to the school)
  • Evidence shows that peer support has an indirect effect on bullying behaviour by fostering a climate of care within the school. The school gradually develops a sense of being a caring community, where bullying is not tolerated, and builds upon its reputation in the local community (Cowie, H., & Hutson, N. (2005). Peer support: a strategy to help bystanders challenge school bullying. Pastoral Care in Education, 23, 40-44)
  • Please see the ABA resources on peer to peer support including about bystanders on our website. 

Resources & Examples: 

Resources

Examples

Please note that examples from primary and other school settings may still include some useful hints and tips you can adapt and apply for a secondary setting.

  • Watch the below video for an example from a Gold All Together School, Abbey Road Primary School, about their child-led anti-bullying initiatives and strategies:
  • Watch the below video for an example from a Gold All Together School, Cottage Grove Primary School, about their child-led anti-bullying initiatives and strategies:  

See below for quotes and pieces of advice from other schools:

  • "The school has peer and playground buddies that complete a range of different activities throughout the week to build up peer support."
  • "Peer mediators trained and available to all pupils. New peer mediators trained each autumn term. Also trialled school council drop in sessions as another method of peer support."
  • "We have reinstated the mini mentors system which has been really popular with the children. They are easily identifiable and the other children know they can go to them if they have any problems in the playground. The mini mentors have received training in how to deal with a range of issues and know to speak to an adult about what they hear. We have a buddy bench that children actively use if they are feeling lonely at playtime. We also have play leaders to support the children in their play."

Back to 4. Prevention page

Note: the resources listed at the bottom of this page (below) have all been referenced in the text above.