If your child is experiencing bullying behaviour at school, it is possible that the person displaying the behaviour lives nearby or socialises within the same community. This can mean that the behaviour continues beyond the school gates, making it difficult for your child to feel safe, even outside school hours.
It is also important to remember that bullying behaviour does not have to take place face-to-face. It can occur through social media, messaging apps, online gaming platforms, group chats and other digital spaces. Because of this, children and young people may feel that there is no escape from the behaviour, even when they are at home.
Help your child understand that bullying behaviour is never something they should deal with alone. Encourage them to speak to a trusted adult whenever something happens, regardless of where it takes place. Reassure them that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Bullying Behaviour on School Transport
For some children and young people, travelling to and from school can be one of the most challenging parts of the day. School buses and public transport can provide opportunities for bullying behaviour to occur, particularly where adult supervision is limited.
The busy nature of boarding and leaving the bus can make it difficult for inappropriate behaviour to be noticed. Once the journey begins, the driver must focus on driving safely and may not be aware of what is happening elsewhere on the vehicle.
Young people who experience bullying behaviour on school transport often feel trapped, with limited opportunities to remove themselves from the situation. Some may become anxious about travelling to school altogether, which can affect attendance, wellbeing and learning.
If your child is experiencing bullying behaviour on a school bus:
- Encourage them, where possible, to sit near the front of the bus where the driver has a clearer view.
- If travelling on public transport, suggest sitting near other adults or families where they feel comfortable.
- If appropriate, encourage them to travel with trusted friends.
- Ask them to report any incidents as soon as possible and keep a record of what happened, including dates, times and, where possible, the names of those involved.
- Report the behaviour to the school and, where relevant, the transport provider. If appropriate, copy any written correspondence to both organisations so that they can work together to address the issue.
Bullying behaviour on school transport can also create serious safety risks. Any disruption that distracts a driver from the road may place everyone on the vehicle, as well as other road users and pedestrians, at risk. Creating a respectful and safe environment on school transport benefits everyone.
Bullying Behaviour in Clubs and Community Activities
Many children and young people attend sports clubs, youth groups, music lessons, drama classes and other community activities. These should be safe, welcoming environments where everyone feels valued, respected and included.
Before your child joins an organisation, it is worth asking whether it has:
- An anti-bullying policy.
- A safeguarding policy.
- A clear process for reporting concerns.
- Named staff or volunteers responsible for children’s welfare.
If your child tells you they have experienced bullying behaviour during an activity, speak to the organiser, coach or youth worker as soon as possible. Follow the organisation’s reporting procedure and keep a written record of any concerns and the action taken.
Bullying Behaviour in Sports Clubs, Uniformed Organisations and Other Groups
Many children and young people enjoy taking part in organised activities such as football, rugby, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, swimming, Scouts, Guides, Cadets, drama groups, choirs and other clubs. These activities should provide opportunities to build confidence, develop new skills and make friendships in a safe and supportive environment.
Unfortunately, bullying behaviour can also occur in these settings. It may involve name-calling, exclusion from activities, teasing, intimidation, rumours, online group chats linked to the club, or repeated behaviour that makes a child feel unwelcome or unsafe. In some cases, children may be deliberately left out of teams or friendship groups or encouraged by others to exclude someone. This type of group bullying behaviour can be particularly distressing, as children often fear losing an activity they enjoy or being isolated from their peers.
If your child begins to lose interest in attending a club they previously enjoyed, becomes anxious before sessions or suddenly starts making excuses not to go, it may be worth having a gentle conversation about whether anything has happened.
Every organisation that works with children should have safeguarding procedures and clear processes for responding to concerns about bullying behaviour. If your child tells you they have experienced bullying behaviour, listen calmly, reassure them that they have done the right thing by speaking up and contact the club leader, coach or organiser as soon as possible. Explain what has happened, ask what action will be taken and keep a record of any conversations or correspondence.
If you feel your concerns have not been taken seriously, ask to speak with the organisation’s safeguarding lead or welfare officer. National governing bodies for sports and youth organisations also have safeguarding procedures and complaints processes that can be followed where necessary.
Children and young people have the right to feel safe, respected and included wherever they spend their time. Whether they are on the sports field, at Scouts or Guides, in a dance class or at a youth club, bullying behaviour should never be accepted as “part of the game”, “banter” or a normal part of growing up.
Bullying Behaviour in the Community
Bullying behaviour can also happen in parks, shopping centres, neighbourhoods and other public places. Although schools are not legally responsible for incidents that happen outside school, they may still be able to help if those involved are pupils at the school.
Under the Education and Inspections Act 2006, schools have powers to address pupils’ behaviour outside school premises where it is reasonable to do so, particularly when it affects the welfare of other pupils or the wider school community. If the child displaying the bullying behaviour is wearing school uniform or can be identified as attending a particular school, it is appropriate to inform the school about what has happened.
When to Contact the Police
Most incidents of bullying behaviour are best addressed through schools, families and community organisations. However, some behaviours may cross the line into criminal or anti-social behaviour.
You should consider contacting the police if the behaviour involves:
- Physical assault or threats of violence.
- Hate crime or discrimination.
- Criminal damage or theft.
- Harassment, stalking or intimidation.
- Sharing indecent images.
- Serious online abuse or malicious communications.
- Any situation where you believe someone is at immediate risk of harm.
The police, including the British Transport Police where appropriate, work alongside schools, transport providers and local authorities to help keep children and young people safe within their communities.
Supporting Your Child
If your child experiences bullying behaviour outside school, continue to listen without judgement and reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you. Work together to identify trusted adults who can help, encourage them to stay connected with supportive friends and activities, and remind them that bullying behaviour is never their fault.
By responding early, keeping clear records and working with schools, community organisations and, where necessary, the police, you can help ensure that concerns are addressed promptly and that your child receives the support they need.
