Who to tell about bullying

[RandomlyChosenName]

My child has told me their friend is being bullied at school.

Shall I tell the Mum of the bullied child what my child told me? I don’t know if she knows or not.

And/or

Shall I tell their teacher at school?

Your child should encourage their friend to tell their own parent and teacher.

How old are the children ?

Upper Primary.

Friend seems to be embarrassed about it and generally not keen to talk apparently.

Their may have told their parents, my child isn’t sure.

But thank you for your message- I will encourage my child to encourage and support his friend to speak up.

Do you think I shouldn’t say anything to anyone then?

What is the school bullying policy? I’m sure your child will know about this if they are upper school . And you should have a copy or it will be on the website.

Ask your child what usually happens when someone is bullied .

You child could also encourage their friend to call childline. It’s free and doesn’t show up on phone bills.

Personally I would tell the teacher, not the mum. The mum may get very defensive if she feels that you know something like this about her own child and she doesn't, and that may mean she dismisses what you say without listening. The teacher can deal with it if necessary.

Anti bullying policy says tell a teacher both for the bullied child and the friend of bullied child.

My first instinct was to mention to the teacher, but then I wondered if I should tell the mum too.

I would speak to the teacher.

I am a headteacher. Speak to the teacher. Do not speak to the parent, leave the school to sort it out. Well done to your daughter for speaking out and being an upstander. Please praise/reward her for this.