Receiving a school bullying report
Bullying is the single-most important modifiable risk factor for mental illness in children and adolescents.1
Children and young people who are being bullied often tell their friends first and only go to a trusted adult for help as a last resort.This means that when children and young people tell a trusted adult the bullying may already be part of a bigger story that has continued for some time.
Receiving reports from parents and carers
Children and young people are more likely to tell parents and carers about bullying than teachers.2
So when a parent or carer reports that their child is being bullied, their concerns need to be heard and responded to appropriately as a matter of priority (in line with your school’s bullying policies and procedures). When parents and carers report bullying, they want to know that they are being heard, that their child’s experiences and feelings matter, that the issue will be investigated respectfully and with priority, and that appropriate actions will be taken.
When receiving a report of bullying from a parent or carer:
- listen empathically, agree where you can, and check your understanding of what the parent or carer said
- acknowledge that the issue is important and offer assistance
- make a plan to keep the student safe while you find out what is happening
- identify any way the parent can help support their child (for example, emotional support, encouraging friendships, seeking help as needed)3
- explain further steps that will be taken by the school
- plan to meet again to review progress
- document what you have agreed to do (for example, in an email to the parent).
Once you have received and responded to the report from parents or carers, make sure you partner to keep students safe as you investigate the behaviour and make a shared plan to resolve the issue.
Receiving reports from students
Bullying disclosures should always be taken seriously. Children and young people need to know that they are being heard, that their feelings matter and that their issue will be investigated respectfully and with priority.
When a student reports bullying to you, it’s important to let them know that the school takes bullying seriously. Reassure them that you will work to help them. Avoid minimising the issue or saying anything that might suggest their concerns aren’t important.
Managing public classroom disclosures
If a student makes a bullying disclosure in a class discussion or in front of other students, protective interrupting can be used to protect their privacy and move the conversation to a more appropriate and safe setting.
When using protective interruption:
- acknowledge that you have heard the student and let them know that what they are sharing matters; use words like ‘this sounds important’ but gently stop them from sharing more details
- redirect the conversation to a less public setting by gently suggesting you talk privately with them after the lesson or, if possible, ask the student if they would like to leave the classroom with you to continue the conversation.
Listen and document
1. Find a quiet, private space where you can talk without distractions. Maintain open body language and a calm tone. Give the student your full attention without interrupting.
2. Listen first. Let them share their story fully before asking specific questions. Use gentle prompts to show you’re listening.
3. Clarify key details:
- When, where and how did the bullying occur?
- What was said or written?
- Was there any physical harm?
- Who was present?
- Have they spoken to anyone else about what has happened?
- If online, do they have evidence (for example, screenshots, messages)?
- Is it a one-time conflict or a pattern of bullying?
4. Take notes or, if it’s an older student, ask them to write down the details for you.
5. Confirm what the student wants to happen and whether they want any action taken right away.
- If they want your help in stopping the bullying, explain that you will follow the school’s procedures for investigating the report.
- If they do not want immediate action, let them know that you are required to document and report what they have told you, that you are there to listen and provide advice, and that you will be ready to investigate whenever they are ready.
6. Ensure safety. If the student feels unsafe in the short term, discuss with them what can be done to ensure their safety while the issue is being addressed.
7. Document and report. Write a record of the conversation, documenting the details, and report the incident according to your school’s bullying policies and procedures.
8. Inform parents or carers. If parents or carers have not yet been involved, let them know the situation, how they can communicate with you and how you’ll keep them informed of the next steps. Let the students involved know that their parents or carers will be informed, as per your school’s reporting policies and procedures.
Acting on your own concerns
If you witness any concerning student behaviour or if you believe any of your students might be being bullied, report your concerns in line with your school’s bullying policies and procedures. Then keep students safe as you investigate the behaviour and plan to resolve the issue.
Remember
Avoid labels; instead of using ‘bully’ or ‘victim’, talk about the behaviour of those involved, including bystanders.
Reassure the student that bullying is never okay and is not their fault; praise their courage in speaking up.
- Scott, J.G., Moore, S.E., Sly, P.D., & Norman, R.E. (2014). Bullying in children and adolescents: A modifiable risk factor for mental illness. Aust N Z J Psychiatry, 48(3),209-12. doi.org/10.1177/0004867413508456
- Fekkes, M., Pijpers, F.I.M., & Verloove-Vanhorick, S.P. (2005). Bullying: Who does what, when and where? Involvement of children, teachers and parents in bullying behavior. Health Education Research, 20(1), 81–91. https://doi.org/10.1093/her/cyg100; Rigby, K., & Johnson, K. (2016). The prevalence and effectiveness of anti-bullying strategies employed in Australian schools. University of South Australia.; Smith, P.K., & Shu, S. (2000). What good schools can do about bullying: Findings from a survey in English schools after a decade of research and action. childhood. Childhood, 7(2). 193-212. doi.org/10.1177/0907568200007002005
- Bailey, S. (2015, February 16). What should parents do if their child is bullied at school? The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/what-should-parents-do-if-their-child-is-bullied-at-school-37152