Rating description:
- Fully met: Our school’s responses to bullying actively encourage pupils who have been bullied to be involved in the response, and do not focus on changing their behaviour. The responses also outline initiatives to support bullied pupils after the bullying incident in a way that suits them (e.g. rebuilding self-esteem, friendships and restorative approaches).
- Partially met: Our school’s responses to bullying involve consulting pupils who have been bullied on the response, and most responses do not focus on changing their behaviour. The responses include ways to support bullied pupils after the bullying incident.
- Not yet met: Our school’s responses to bullying don’t involve consulting pupils who have been bullied and/or they are encouraged to change their behaviour for the bullying to stop.
Why is this important?
It is vital that pupils who are targeted by bullying are not made to feel responsible for the behaviour they have experienced. Placing the focus on how they should change, avoid situations, or alter who they are can reinforce harmful messages and undermine their self-worth. Instead, schools must promote a clear and consistent message: bullying is never acceptable, regardless of personal differences, misunderstandings, or frustrations.
By offering support, listening to their needs, and helping them rebuild confidence, schools communicate that the responsibility lies with the perpetrating behaviour - not the person targeted. This approach protects wellbeing, promotes resilience, and strengthens a culture where every pupil feels valued and safe to be themselves.
Resources & Examples:
Resources
- The UK Council for Internet Safety have developed a guide on 'Challenging victim blaming language and behaviours when dealing with the online experiences of children and young people'
- We recommend taking a social model approach when thinking about bullying, and we have developed a social model checklist for schools to use in developing their response strategies.
- Use our 3-step response to bullying framework to help you develop a consistent, reflective and more effective approach to responding to bullying.
- We also recommend taking our CPD online course on 'Bullying and Difference'.
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.
- Secondary School Case Study - on challenging staff views and expectations
- Secondary School Case Study - on addressing bullying while ensuring responsibility from the perpetrator
See below for quotes and pieces of advice from other schools:
- "We are careful not to refer to person who has experienced bullying as the victim and never suggest solutions lie with them."
- "All parties voice heard and strategies delivered to individuals as appropriate to needs e.g. ASD/ADHD/SEN etc."
Back to 5. Responding and intervention page
Note: the resources listed at the bottom of this page (below) have all been referenced in the text above.