Recording and monitoring of bullying incidents in schools: supplementary guidance

Ensuring our children and young people receive the support they require

22. Perceived incidents of bullying may be raised by concerned individuals such as the individual who believes they are being bullied, another child or young person(s), a parent/carer or teaching/non-teaching staff.

23. Recording incidents of bullying is one part of the overall process in preventing and managing bullying incidents. The main focus for staff in schools should be on supporting changes in behaviour among children and young people in school and promoting health and wellbeing.

24. Although bullying is often persistent, a single incident can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of children and young people and instil a fear that it might happen again. Bullying behaviour and its potential impact on children and young people must be addressed as it arises.

25. Individuals and/or groups of children and young people can display or be affected by bullying behaviour.

26. It is important that the appropriate support is put in place for all children and young people involved in a bullying incident. This may be through pastoral support and could include counselling, peer support, solution oriented approaches/restorative approaches. Refer to Education Scotland's National Improvement Hub and respect me's website for information on ways to support children and young people.

27. Children and young people with an additional support need may have a formal plan which is used to record the support that they require to overcome barriers to their learning. In these circumstances, it may be appropriate to record any support which is put in place for those involved in a bullying incident within this plan.