And schools should consider providing assertiveness training for victims of bullying, says the report, presented on Tuesday at the National Association of Head Teachers' annual conference in Jersey. The guidelines urge head teachers to set up firm disciplinary procedures against bullying and to be seen to take the problem seriously.
Bullying is a serious problem which needs to be eliminated.
Heads have the major responsibility to take measures to prevent bullying among pupils and among staff. The union advises head teachers that schools should have a clear, written policy for preventing the growth of bullying, setting out how the school would take action. Many bullying victims do not inform teachers, and the guidelines identify the warning signs, such as children becoming withdrawn, losing possessions and becoming easily distressed.