In the House of Lords debate on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill (16 September 2025), peers highlighted the urgent need for stronger action to tackle bullying in schools.
Lord Carlile and Lord Storey tabled amendments calling for schools to record incidents of bullying, including racist bullying, and for every school to appoint a dedicated anti-bullying lead. We were pleased that the work of the Anti-Bullying Alliance was highlighted during the debate, and we are grateful to both peers for championing this vital issue.
Responding for the Government, Baroness Smith of Malvern, Skills Minister, confirmed that the Department for Education will continue to use the National Behaviour Survey and stressed existing statutory requirements on behaviour policies. She also announced a new review into best practice on tackling bullying.
While we welcome the recognition of bullying as a serious issue, we are disappointed that the Government has not yet committed to introducing consistent national data collection or requiring schools to appoint anti-bullying leads. These measures would help ensure every child feels safe and supported in school.
Peers chose not to press their amendments to a vote at this stage but made clear they will return to the issue at future stages of the Bill.
The Anti-Bullying Alliance will continue to press for stronger commitments from Government to protect children and young people from bullying.
You can read the debate in full on Hansard or watch it back on the BBC iPlayer.
