Online bullying and student safety
Responding to cyberbullying with context, care and clear action.
Cyberbullying can continue beyond the school day and spread quickly across group chats, games and social platforms. A clear reporting route helps a young person share what happened without carrying the whole burden alone.
Record useful context safely
Messages can be deleted and accounts can change. Where it is safe to do so, keeping screenshots, dates, usernames, platform names and a short explanation of what happened can help an authorised adult understand the pattern.
- Do not reply or retaliate
- Keep relevant messages rather than repeatedly revisiting them
- Block and report accounts using the platform's safety tools
Tell a trusted adult
A student should not have to investigate cyberbullying themselves. They can show the information to a parent, carer, teacher or designated safeguarding lead who can decide what support and action are appropriate.
Connect online and offline concerns
Online behaviour may relate to classroom incidents, friendship groups, travel to school or activity outside school. A joined-up case record can help safeguarding staff see that wider context rather than treating each message as an isolated event.
Escalate urgent or criminal concerns
Threats, violence, stalking, hate crime, sexual abuse or the sharing of intimate images may require urgent specialist or police support. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. Trusted support routes are available on our help page.