More action needed to stop bullying

Almost a quarter of parents whose child has been bullied in Kent say their school did not deal with the situation quickly or effectively enough.

It follows a survey by Ofsted relating to the 2019/20 academic year until April. Of the 2,299 parents whose children had been bullied, 24% said the school had not acted swiftly and effectively enough. A further 24% were not sure.

In Kent, 6% of parents also said their child was not happy at their school, and 5% said their child did not feel safe. Reacting to the survey, a spokesman for the Department for Education said: “Schools should be safe places where children are taught to respect each other and staff.

“The government has sent a clear message to schools that bullying, whether it is in the playground or online, is unacceptable. It can have a devastating effect on individuals, harm their education and have serious and lasting consequences for their mental health.

“All schools are legally required to have a behaviour policy with measures to prevent all forms of bullying.”