What should you do if your child is bullied?

For example, your child says someone repeatedly threatens them on the school bus. Ask what will make the next journey safer, who will supervise and when the school will update you. A practical safety plan matters as well as a conversation about the behaviour.

What needs school action, and what needs police reporting?

Bullying can happen in a classroom, playground, bus or online. NCPCR’s guidelines describe ways to prevent, recognise and respond to bullying and cyberbullying. Take the concern seriously instead of brushing it off as something children must tolerate. S24: Bullying guidance

For possible sexual offences, Section 19 of the POCSO Act requires a person who apprehends an offence is likely, or knows one has happened, to inform the Special Juvenile Police Unit or local police. Raising a complaint only inside the school does not replace that duty. Do not delay urgent action while waiting for an internal meeting. S25: Child protection law

How can you listen without making your child repeat everything?

Let the child describe events in their own words. Thank them for telling you, avoid blame and do not promise absolute secrecy. Explain that you may need help from people responsible for keeping children safe.

Record a brief account of what was said, the date and any immediate concern. Avoid repeatedly questioning the child or pressuring them to repeat the account to many adults. Do not confront the alleged person in a way that could increase risk to the child.

If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services or police promptly. Obtain urgent medical help where needed. Do not wait for a routine parent-teacher appointment.

How can you ask the school to act?

• Use the school’s designated safeguarding contact or principal, as appropriate.
• Describe events and dates without publicly identifying children.
• Ask what immediate protection and follow-up will be provided.
• Request acknowledgement and a clear next contact date.
• If the concern involves that contact, or the response is inadequate, use the relevant external education or child-protection authority.

How should you handle upsetting online messages?

Keep necessary messages or identifying details securely and follow the reporting authority’s directions. Do not repost abusive material in a parent group. Do not download, forward or circulate sexual images involving children. CIET-NCERT provides parent and child cyber-safety resources for further guidance. S21: Online safety guidance

What should you check with the school?

Ask for the school’s safeguarding contact, complaint procedure and responsible district child-protection or education office. This article does not certify that a particular school has a committee, trained counsellor or completed safety audit.

What else might you want to know?

Must the child deal with it alone to become stronger?

No. Ask adults responsible for the setting to take the concern seriously and plan support.

Should every concern start with the class teacher?

Use the route appropriate to urgency and the person involved. Immediate danger and possible offences should not be delayed by an internal sequence of meetings.

Where can you check the official details?

• S24: Preventing Bullying and Cyberbullying: Guidelines for Schools 2024
• S25: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012
• S21: Cyber Safety & Security resources

What can you read next?

• How can DIKSHA help your child study at home?
• How can you get support when your child finds learning hard?
• How can you check if a school message is true?