Why Schools Must Take Bullying Seriously - And How to Respond Effectively
Bullying is not "just banter" or "kids being kids." When schools dismiss harmful behavior with phrases like "boys will be boys," they create a culture where bullying is tolerated -and victims are left unprotected.
Schools must have clear anti-bullying policies, train staff to recognize warning signs (such as withdrawal, anxiety, or unexplained injuries), and foster an environment where students feel safe speaking up. Ignoring or covering up bullying to protect a school’s reputation only deepens the harm and fails the children who need protection the most.
Acknowledging Bullying Is the First Step Toward Change
The moment a school acknowledges bullying, it sends a powerful message: student safety comes first.
I’ve experienced two very different approaches from my children’s schools:
Primary School (Red Flag): They downplayed bullying, calling it "normal" behavior. This refusal to act put my child at greater risk.
High School (Green Flag): They took immediate action - contacting parents, organizing mediation, and following up to ensure resolution.
When a school refuses to acknowledge bullying, parents face a tough choice: escalate the issue or move their child to a safer environment. If the adults in charge won’t act, it’s a sign of a deeper systemic failure.
What Schools Should Do When Bullying Happens
Immediate Action: Contact both sets of parents - the victim’s and the bully’s. Transparency ensures everyone can work together to stop the behavior.
Counseling for Both Sides:
The bullied child needs support.
The child doing the bullying may have underlying issues (home problems, insecurity, trauma) that need addressing.
Mediation & Follow-Up:
Hold a meeting with all parties to discuss the issue and find resolution.
Regularly check in to ensure the bullying hasn’t resumed.
Final Thought: Schools Must Choose Safety Over Silence
My daughter’s high school got it right - they acted swiftly, followed through, and ensured she felt supported. In contrast, her primary school’s refusal to acknowledge the problem enabled the bullying to continue.
Ignoring bullying doesn’t make it go away - it makes it worse. Schools must commit to zero tolerance, open communication, and consistent consequences to protect every student’s wellbeing.
Because every child deserves to feel safe at school.
