Guest Blogger, Adam Morris, discusses the scale of bullying and points to useful anti-bullying resources for teachers and families…

Bullying continues to be a worrying issue for children in schools and educational settings across the UK.

Data from the Anti‑Bullying Alliance, Natterhub, and the Office for National Statistics reveal the scale of the problem: 

1. Around 34.9% of children aged 10 to 15 years experienced an in-person bullying behaviour in the year to March 2023, and 19.1% experienced an online bullying behaviour.

2. The ABA estimates more than one in five children experience frequent face-to-face bullying, rising to around 29% for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) or pupils eligible for free school meals.

3. The issue of bullying and banter also continues to create social challenges for young people. A report from Natterhub suggests that 83% of children aged 9-10 years find it hard to tell the difference.  

For most of you, this is nothing new. Robust anti-bullying policies are a key step in addressing concerns around bullying.

This is why access to resources is so important. Sharing them means everyone has a say in creating a community that can say no to bullying, preventing, identifying, and responding to the behaviours effectively. 

Types Of Anti-Bullying Resources 

Talk of “resources” to address bullying can often appear complicated. But this does not have to be the case.  

There are all kinds of different resources, both free and paid. Whether you are staff or a family member, it is worth familiarising yourself with the different types:  

• Policy & Planning Documents 

• Workplace Resources 

• Home Resources 

• Pupil Resources  

• Reports and Monitoring Documents  

• Supporting Resource

As a general rule, you can expect to find most resources online. Googling ‘anti-bullying resources’ is usually a good start. But the internet is full of noise.

If you start looking, be specific with your search. What type of resource are you looking for?

When it comes to your first port of call, the school or local government is likely the best bet.
Many educational settings will have their policies, procedures, and curriculum aims on their website. 

Support services and charities will often provide a lot of teaching and support resources. They can include downloadable activities, advice, and guidance.  

Some Useful Anti-Bullying Resources  

Many organisations work hard to produce a range of free and paid anti-bullying resources to suit a range of needs: 

Here are some specific organisations and programmes that schools may wish to explore. This only scratches the surface. But as a starting point, these can be used alongside internal resources or embedded within broader school approaches. 

• Anti‑Bullying Alliance (ABA): Offers guidance, toolkits and training materials focused on prevention and whole-school approaches. They have created free anti-bullying resources in partnership with Twinkl. There are also resources to organise Odd Socks Day, which is quickly gaining momentum as a day of awareness around Anti-Bullying.

• Kidscape is a UK charity that provides training and supportive resources to educational settings and families.

• Natterhub is an e-safety platform. As well as events and offers in support of Anti-Bullying Week, there are useful resources and advice on navigating the web, including a dedicated Youtube Channel rater.

• The Cybersmile Foundation also focuses on cyber-bullying. As well as offering a curriculum around online safety, they have a library of free resources on using technology safely. 

• The BBC have a series of articles, as well as a lesson on anti-bullying that was recorded live on the 10th November to start off Anti-Bullying Week.  

• The NSPCC have their own resources on anti-bullying as well as training around tackling cyber bullying.

• The Diana Award is a charity set up to train young people to become Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. It offers a free annual programme to schools, as well as free resources and guidance. 

Best Practice For Using Anti-Bullying Resources 

Anti-bullying resources should be part of a wider strategy rather than a one-off approach. While awareness days are important, consistency helps to create an anti-bullying culture. 

Take Kiva for example. Kiva is an evidence-based anti-bullying programme based in Finland. Its approach is on influencing social norms to create communities that support peers. As well as an interventive approach, there is a preventative element too. 

It is not realistic for a school, or an organisation, or a person to create lasting change. The key is to create a community or support network.  

• Leaders and role models should set an example of the behaviour they want to see

• Involve the children. It helps them feel heard and it is your best indicator of day to day success and progress

• Schools and homes should communicate with each other

• Record incidents to identify patterns of behaviour

• Create ways in which children feel able to report bullying, like an online form, or a safe space

• Share resources, training opportunities, and anti-bullying campaigns with the surrounding community. For example, consider supporting Odd Socks Day and inviting others to take part. 

Research suggests that when interventions develop empathy, bystander engagement and peer-support, they may be more effective. It is not just about punishment.

How Services For Education Can Support Schools 

The Services For Education team are experts in safeguarding and provide schools with valuable CPD and training in all areas of safeguarding (and more).

Follow the links to find more helpful resources from the SFE team:

• A range of resources around safeguarding for schools.
• Access to training packages around health and well-being.
• Specific guidance and advice on anti-bullying, including articles on topics like family engagement.

Conclusion 

Bullying remains a clear challenge, but with the right blend of resources, strategy and culture change, it is possible to reduce its impact and support all children.  

Everyone should aim to react to incidents but also prevent behaviours by embedding respectful and inclusive environments.  

There are external organisations that provide high-quality resources, many of which are listed here. Integrating them within your teaching, training and systems can ensure a more sustained impact. 

If you found this blog useful, you may also be interested in reading the following blogs:  

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Personal Safety Advice vs. Victim Blaming – A Balancing Act of How Language and Awareness Matters

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How to Prioritise Mental Health This School Year

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If any of this has got you thinking and you’d like more support or advice, our expert Safeguarding Advisers can help. Contact us on safeguarding@servicesforeducation.co.uk for more information.

  About the Author – Guest Blogger

Adam Morris has been an educator in schools and worked in marketing for edtech companies in the UK such as Twinkl. He is passionate about signposting valuable resources, as well as championing literacy and a love of learning.