Bullying and harassment

The Council promotes positive relationships, diversity, empathy and resilience. We do not tolerate any form of bullying or prejudice-based bullying within our establishments.

Bullying is an abuse of power that is defined by its effects. People who are bullied are upset by something someone else has done or said to them or about them. They are likely to fear that this will happen again and feel powerless to stop it. It does not extend to the appropriate use of power by adults in authority. Bullying is also a breach of children's rights under several articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

People can be bullied on the grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic status, nationality, religion or other real or perceived differences. However, it can also be for no apparent reason.

It can be verbal, written, physical, emotional and also happens through mobile phones and social networking sites. Leaving someone out or isolating them is also a form of bullying.

If you have any concerns about a child's bullying behaviour, in the first instance, you should talk to a member of staff (e.g. Head Teacher, Youth Worker, Social Worker). If your concerns are not resolved locally to your satisfaction, you can ask for advice or make a complaint to the Children and Families Department's Advice and Conciliation Service.

Also see our policy and procedures for preventing and responding to bullying and harassment amongst children and young people using our services.