The law

Some forms of bullying are illegal and should be reported to the police. These include:

• violence or assault
• theft
• repeated harassment or intimidation, for example name calling, threats and abusive phone calls, emails or text messages
• hate crimes

Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Schools and the law

By law, all state (not private) schools must have a behaviour policy in place that includes measures to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils.

This policy is decided by the school. All teachers, pupils and parents must be told what it is.

Anti-discrimination law

Schools must also follow anti-discrimination law. This means staff must act to prevent discrimination, harassment and victimisation within the school. This applies to all schools in England and Wales, and most schools in Scotland.