Emergency guide

My child is being bullied at school

When a child is being bullied, the first hours are about keeping them safe and keeping proof. This page lists what to do today, who to tell, the complaint dates in each UK nation and in the US, who to call and words you can use. The dates in your own papers always come first.

General information, not legal advice. Rules depend on where you live. If you have a letter, notice or form with a date on it, get advice before that date passes.

Checked 10 October 2026 · re-check due 10 April 2027 · To keep a copy, use your browser’s print or share menu.

First: are you safe?

If your child, or anyone, is in danger now, has been badly hurt, or a weapon or sexual abuse is involved, call 911 in the US or 999 in the UK before anything else. If your child has said they want to hurt themselves or die, or you are thinking about ending your life, call or text 988 in the US, or call Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK, at any hour. A child or young person under 19 in the UK can call Childline free on 0800 1111, at any hour. In the US, a child can text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line, at any hour.

Today

If your child has hurt themselves or may act now, stay with them and call 911 in the US or 999 in the UK. If they talk about wanting to hurt themselves or die, call or text 988 (US), or call Samaritans on 116 123 or Childline on 0800 1111 (UK).
If anyone is in danger now, call 911 in the US or 999 in the UK.
Violence, threats, theft, repeated harassment and hate crimes can be crimes: report them to the police. In the UK, call 101 when it is not an emergency.
Tell the school in writing today, by email or letter, and keep a copy. Ask what it will do to keep your child safe and who your contact is. If your child has a disability or special needs, say so in the same message.
Never copy, screenshot or save a nude or sexual picture of a child, even as proof: that can be a crime. Keep all other proof: dates, times, places, what happened and who saw it, messages, screenshots and photos of injuries. Do not reply or forward.
If a sexual picture of your child is shared or used to threaten them, report it today. UK: police on 101 (999 in danger), or report online to CEOP, the National Crime Agency's child protection command; Childline's Report Remove helps under-18s. US: police, or NCMEC (the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children) on 1-800-843-5678; its Take It Down service helps remove it.
Ask for the school's anti-bullying policy and its complaints procedure. Read the complaints procedure the day you get it: it may give a cut-off date to complain or to move to the next stage, and that date comes first.
US: no federal law covers bullying itself. Your state's law and your school district's policy say what the school must do, so ask for both. If the school does not act, write to the principal, then the superintendent, then your state's education department.
Think twice before going to the other child's family yourself. StopBullying.gov, a US government site, says it may make matters worse, and that the school can act as go-between. Ask the school to do it.
Tell your child it is not their fault, and ask what they want you to do. Do not tell them to ignore it. Do not tell them to hit back: StopBullying.gov says it can get a child hurt, suspended or expelled.
If your child is too scared to go to school, tell the school before they stay home, and ask in writing whether it will authorise the absence. That matters because unexplained absence can lead to a fine or prosecution in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and in Scotland it could breach your duty to send them to school.
Before taking your child out of school to teach them at home, get advice. In England, DfE tells parents to talk to the school and the council first, says the place may be gone if you change your mind, and says you need the council's permission if your child is at a special school. In Scotland, you need the council's consent to do this for a council school.
Tell one person what is happening, and look after yourself too. If it is too much, call Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK or 988 in the US, or a parent line from Who to call.

The clocks that have started

Deadlines that can start when this happens, soonest first. Your own letters give your dates; when two dates could apply, count from the earlier one. The details of each are on the page online; its address is at the bottom.

Deadlines that can start when this happens, soonest first. Tap one to see when it starts and what happens if you miss it. Your own letters give your dates; when two dates could apply, count from the earlier one.

Jump to: United States · United Kingdom

In the United States

US: if you think the school discriminated against your child, file a civil rights complaint with the Department of Education within 180 days180 days.United States (federal rule)
How long
180 days. OCR says a complaint must ordinarily be filed within 180 days of the last act of discrimination.
Starts
the date of the act you complain about, such as the suspension or a refusal to give your child a disability accommodation. OCR counts from the last act of discrimination, but if there was a series, count from the first to be safe.
If missed
OCR can grant a waiver if you show good cause why you did not file within 180 days, so ask. If you use the school's own grievance process first, file with OCR within 60 days after it ends, and do not let it carry you past the 180 days: you can file with OCR while it is still running.
It lets you
file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) if you think a school that receives federal money discriminated against your child because of disability, race, color, national origin, sex or age. You do not have to use the school's own complaint process first. It is separate from an IDEA hearing.
StopBullying.gov says no federal law directly addresses bullying. Federal civil rights law applies when the bullying is harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability or religion, and it is bad enough to limit your child's schooling. OCR's page says schools that get federal money must provide an environment free from discriminatory harassment that limits educational opportunities. Count from the first act. File with OCR, or the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, if the school is not dealing with it. Your state may have its own bullying law and its own complaint steps: your state decides, so ask the school and your state's education department.
Where this differs: Federal. It reaches schools that receive federal money; it does not cover a private school that gets none. Your state may have its own civil rights agency with its own date: ask a legal aid office or your state's disability rights agency.
Checked 10 October 2026 at US Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (How to file a discrimination complaint)

In the United Kingdom

England: complain to the school in writing now, and read its complaints procedure for a cut-off dateComplain to the school in writing as soon as you can, and read its complaints procedure the day you get it.England only
How long
Complain to the school in writing as soon as you can, and read its complaints procedure the day you get it. The procedure may set a cut-off date for making a complaint and for moving to the next stage. The Department for Education (DfE) tells council-run schools it considers 3 months an acceptable time frame to lodge a complaint, and says a school's procedure may include a cut-off for raising a complaint and for escalating one; academies follow separate guidance. The date in the school's own papers comes first.
Starts
the day of the first incident you want to complain about. A school's procedure may count from the incident or from the day you found out: count from the earlier one.
If missed
A school can refuse a late complaint, but DfE's guidance to council-run schools says it must not have a blanket policy of refusing every complaint made or escalated after the stated period: it must allow for exceptional circumstances. Do not rely on that. If you are near a cut-off or past it, send the complaint the same day, say why it is late, and ask in writing for it to be accepted.
It lets you
have the school's governors, or the academy trust, look at what happened and at what the school did about it. GOV.UK says that by law every state school (not private) must have a behaviour policy with measures to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils, and that all parents must be told what it is. It also says to speak to the school first, which can be informal, and then to make a formal complaint under its procedure. You can complain to DfE only after the school's procedure is finished, unless a child is not getting an education, a child has been exposed to harm, or the school is stopping you from following its procedure. Ofsted records complaints about the whole school, but cannot resolve a problem between you and the school.
Where this differs: England only. This guidance is for schools run by the local council (maintained schools). Every school in England must have a complaints procedure, and GOV.UK says it should be on the school's website; an academy, a free school or a private school follows its own. GOV.UK says the DfE cannot investigate individual complaints about private schools. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: see their cards.
Checked 10 October 2026 at Department for Education (Best practice guidance for school complaints procedures 2020)
England: if you think the school discriminated against your child, your claim must be received within 6 months6 months, counting the day of the act as the first day: the tribunal must receive the claim by 5pm on the day before the same date 6 months later.England only
How long
6 months, counting the day of the act as the first day: the tribunal must receive the claim by 5pm on the day before the same date 6 months later. For a suspension on 23 September, that is 5pm on 22 March. If that day is a weekend or bank holiday, it is 5pm on the next working day, but aim for earlier.
Starts
the day of the act you complain about, such as a suspension, a reduced timetable, a refusal to make an adjustment, or the school not acting on bullying linked to a disability. For a permanent exclusion the tribunal counts from the final decision in the process, but count from the day your child was first excluded to be safe.
If missed
The tribunal can accept a late claim only in exceptional circumstances with strong reasons you set out in the claim form, so do not plan on it. Because a permanent exclusion is counted from the final decision, a claim made after a governing board or review panel decision may still be in time even when 6 months have passed since the first exclusion: ask the tribunal, or an adviser, the same day.
It lets you
make a claim to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) if you think your child was treated unfairly because of a disability. The tribunal looks at whether what the school did, such as an exclusion or suspension, was justified and whether adjustments were made; it cannot award money, but it can order a reasonable solution, such as training for staff, a written apology, or reinstatement after a permanent exclusion. Claims about permanent exclusion are treated as urgent. For other kinds of discrimination (for example race or sex) the claim goes to the county court, which also works to 6 months and can in some cases extend it. If your child is past school leaving age (the end of the school year in which they turn 16), they make the claim themselves and can name you as their helper. Trying mediation first does not stop the clock: the claim must still be received in time.
This may be the clock if the bullying is linked to a disability. The Equality and Human Rights Commission says equality law does not cover bullying of one pupil by another, but a school must treat bullying linked to a disability, race, sex or another protected reason as seriously as any other bullying. A claim is about what the school did: for example, taking your child's bullying less seriously because of a disability, or not making a reasonable change for your child. Count from the first incident, or the day the school refused or failed to act, whichever is earlier. For race, sex or other protected reasons the claim goes to the county court: ask Child Law Advice, below, or your local Citizens Advice at once. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own tribunals and time limits: ask an adviser now.
Where this differs: England only: the tribunal cannot hear claims against schools in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. In Wales the Education Tribunal for Wales hears disability discrimination claims about schools; for a permanent exclusion, the claim goes in the appeal to the independent appeal panel. In Scotland the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Health and Education Chamber) hears them. In Northern Ireland the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal hears them; for an expulsion, the claim goes in the expulsion appeal. Each has its own route and dates: ask an adviser in your nation the same day.
Checked 10 October 2026 at HM Courts & Tribunals Service (A guide for how to claim for disability discrimination: SEND4)
Wales: complain to the school in writing promptly; a complaint brought after 6 months may be refusedComplain to the school promptly, in writing so that you can prove the date.Wales
How long
Complain to the school promptly, in writing so that you can prove the date. The Welsh Government's guidance for governing bodies says that in most cases a school probably has reasonable grounds not to consider a complaint brought more than six months after the complainant first became aware of the event, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Its model procedure has three stages: talk to a member of staff (Stage A), then the headteacher (Stage B), then a committee of the governing body (Stage C).
Starts
the day you first became aware of the incident you want to complain about. For bullying that goes on, count from the first incident.
If missed
The guidance tells governing bodies to use discretion about a complaint on something that happened some weeks or months ago, and says a complaint that raises a safeguarding or child protection concern must still be looked at after the six months. Do not plan on either. If you are near the six months or past it, send the complaint the same day, say why it is late, and ask in writing for it to be accepted.
It lets you
have the school, and then its governing body, look at what happened and at what the school did about it. The Welsh Government's anti-bullying guidance says that if a learner or parent does not feel the school has taken the bullying seriously, they can make a formal complaint, and that the school's complaints policy must be available on request. The complaints guidance says a learner can complain too, starting with a form tutor or another member of staff. If you are not satisfied after Stage C, the guidance does not recommend a further appeal at the school: you can ask the local council to review how the complaint was handled, but not the decision.
Where this differs: Wales only. The guidance is for the governing bodies of schools in Wales; a private school follows its own procedure. The Welsh Government does not advise on individual complaints: it says it will advise you to complain to the school, and, if the governing body is failing to deal with your complaint, to bring it to the local council to support or act. The guidance says the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has no role in complaints that come under the school's procedure. If the complaint is about a crime, the guidance says to refer it directly to the police.
Checked 10 October 2026 at Welsh Government (School complaints procedures: guidance)
Scotland: complain to the school and the council in writing, and know the Ombudsman's 12-month limitComplain to the school in writing as soon as you can, and to the council if the school does not sort it out.Scotland
How long
Complain to the school in writing as soon as you can, and to the council if the school does not sort it out. Once the council's complaints procedure is finished, you can take the complaint to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO), but the SPSO must not consider a complaint made more than 12 months after the day you first had notice of the matter complained of, unless there are special circumstances.
Starts
the day you first had notice of what you are complaining about. For bullying that goes on, count from the first incident, or the first time the school did not act on it: use the earlier day. Do not wait for the council's procedure to end before you count.
If missed
The SPSO can consider a complaint made after 12 months only where it finds special circumstances that make that appropriate, so do not plan on it. If the council has not answered your complaint, or you are near the 12 months, contact the SPSO the same day: use its online complaints form, or call its advice team on 0800 377 7330 (open Tuesday 1pm to 5pm, and Wednesday and Friday 9am to 1pm). Its page gives that number for anyone having difficulty getting through the council's procedure.
It lets you
ask the SPSO to look at how the council reached its decision on your complaint. Citizens Advice Scotland says the SPSO can check, for example, that the council followed the correct process, and that if a decision was made properly the SPSO cannot change it. Citizens Advice Scotland also says you can complain to the Scottish Government if you think the council has failed to carry out a duty under education law: this is called a section 70 complaint.
Where this differs: Scotland only, and for a school run by a council: Citizens Advice Scotland's page is written for the local council school. For an independent or other school, read its own complaints procedure and ask Citizens Advice Scotland what comes next. Citizens Advice Scotland says the Scottish Government recommends that schools have an anti-bullying policy, and that most councils also have one: ask for both. The Scottish Government's national anti-bullying guidance, Respect for All, says parents should share any concern about a child as early as possible with a teacher or other practitioner. Citizens Advice Scotland says that if the school has not been told about the bullying it has no legal duty to stop it: tell it in writing, and keep telling it until the bullying stops. The SPSO's published decisions include complaints about how council schools dealt with bullying.
Checked 10 October 2026 at Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002, section 10 (legislation.gov.uk)
Northern Ireland: complain to the school in writing, then know the Ombudsman's 6-month limitReport it to your child's class or form teacher as soon as you can, and then to the Principal.Northern Ireland
How long
Report it to your child's class or form teacher as soon as you can, and then to the Principal. If you are still unhappy, make a written complaint to the Chair of the school's Board of Governors. Once the school's complaints procedure is finished, you have 6 months from the day its notice is sent to take the complaint to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO).
Starts
the day the school sends its written notice that its complaints procedure is finished. The school must send that notice within 2 weeks of the end of its procedure, and it must tell you the time limit. If no notice comes, count from the date of the school's final reply.
If missed
NIPSO says that in exceptional cases it may accept a complaint made after the 6 months, so do not plan on it. If the school has not sent you its notice, or you are not sure of the date, call NIPSO on freephone 0800 34 34 24 before the 6 months run out. If the school's procedure is dragging on, ask NIPSO whether it can look at your complaint now.
It lets you
ask NIPSO, which is independent and free, to look at how the school dealt with your complaint. The Department of Education says NIPSO can examine whether the school has followed its policies correctly. NIPSO's own page lists how schools dealt with allegations of bullying among the things it can look at, for grant-aided schools, and says it cannot look at the quality of teaching. The Department of Education also says a school must keep a record of every reported or alleged bullying incident, and you are entitled to see records that mention your child: not the details of any action taken about another pupil.
Where this differs: Northern Ireland only. The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 makes each school's Board of Governors responsible for its anti-bullying policy; the Department of Education says the Act does not change how parents raise a concern. The NIPSO route is for a grant-aided school; if your child's school is not grant-aided, read its own complaints procedure and ask the Children's Law Centre what comes next. GOV.UK says Northern Ireland has different anti-discrimination law from England and Wales.
Checked 10 October 2026 at Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, section 26 (legislation.gov.uk)

Who to call

Jump to: United States · United Kingdom

In the United States

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

US, for your child or for you, at any hour: call, text or chat if there is talk of ending a life or hurting themselves. You do not have to be suicidal to call

Call 988 · Text 988 · 24/7

Before you call: what to have ready

They can

answer by call, text or chat, 24 hours a day, every day of the year, free
talk with you about a friend or loved one as well as yourself: the page invites you to call, text or chat to take care of a friend, a loved one, or yourself
help if you are not suicidal: the page says people do not have to be suicidal to call, and lists economic worries, relationships, illness and loneliness among the reasons
talk in Spanish (press 2 after dialling 988, or text AYUDA to 988); TTY users can dial 711 then 988

Crisis Text Line

US, for a child who would rather text than talk, at any hour: text HOME to 741741. Its page lists bullying among what its counselors support

Text HOME to 741741 · 24/7

Before you call: what to have ready

They can

answer a text to 741741 (text HOME) from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free, with a live, trained volunteer Crisis Counselor
support people with challenges the page lists: stress, anxiety, loneliness, bullying, substance use, self-harm and suicidal thoughts
talk by online chat or WhatsApp as well as text: the page offers all three

The Trevor Project

US, if your child is LGBTQ+: free, at any hour, by phone, text or chat

Call 1-866-488-7386 · Text START to 678-678 · 24/7

Before you call: what to have ready

They can

connect you to a crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, anywhere in the US: call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or use the chat
support LGBTQ+ young people: the page says the counselors understand the challenges LGBTQ+ young people face and will listen without judgement, and that you can share as much or as little as you like
take calls from deaf and hard of hearing users on TTY 1-866-803-3699
talk free of charge

They cannot

keep everything private in every case: in very specific instances of abuse, or a clear concern of an in-progress or imminent suicide, counselors may need to contact a child welfare agency or emergency service
waive text charges: message and data rates may apply

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

If a child is in danger now, call 911 first. US, if an adult, including someone at the school, may be abusing your child: talk it through with a counselor at any hour, by phone, text or chat. It is not a reporting line

Call 1-800-422-4453 · Text GO to 1-800-422-4453 · 24/7

Before you call: what to have ready

They may ask

in chat and text, your age, gender and region: the page says this helps them understand your needs, not identify you, and that they never ask for names, addresses or personal details about you or anyone else

They can

talk with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone on (800) 422-4453, by text (text GO to 800.422.4453) or by live chat, if you are worried about or affected by child abuse
listen without judgement: the page calls the hotline a safe space for anyone concerned about or affected by child abuse
show you how to find your state's child abuse reporting contacts, if you would rather talk to someone first

They cannot

take a report: the page says it is not a reporting line and is not connected to 911 or emergency services
keep everything private in every case: if you give identifying information and a location where a child under 18 is being harmed, or say you intend to act on suicidal thoughts, or as the law requires, they may have to share it with the authorities
give legal or medical advice

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 first. US, if a sexual picture or video of a child under 18 is being shared or used to threaten them: call this number at any hour to report it, and ask about Take It Down. Take It Down is free, and you do not send the picture

Call 1-800-843-5678 · 24 hours

Before you call: what to have ready

Have ready

if a child is missing: report to your local police first (911 if anyone is in immediate danger). NCMEC says to call it after the police have the report
for that police call, as NCMEC lists it: the child's name, date of birth, height, weight, marks such as eyeglasses or braces, when you noticed they were missing, and what they were wearing
for Take It Down: nothing to send. The picture or video stays on your own device

They may ask

if a child is missing: a call center specialist records information about your child

They can

answer 24 hours a day on 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
if a child is missing: work with your family and the police on the case, make and share posters, pass tips from the hotline to the police, and put you in touch with trained volunteers whose own child went missing
give crisis support and referrals to local counseling for a family with a missing or sexually exploited child
take a sighting: find the child's poster and report it there, or call the same number
point you to tools for removing sexual pictures and videos of a minor from the internet, including Take It Down, which is free and lets you stay anonymous

They cannot

replace the police or 911: if anyone is in immediate danger call 911; for a missing child, call your local police first
promise an AMBER Alert: its page says AMBER Alerts are activated in the most serious cases of child abduction
remove images from every site: Take It Down works on public or unencrypted platforms that have agreed to take part
help with images taken when you were 18 or older: for those the site points to stopncii.org
take images from you: do not send, share or download an image to use Take It Down, which makes a digital fingerprint on your own device

Office for Civil Rights (U.S. Department of Education)

US, if the school is not stopping harassment because of race, color, national origin, sex or disability: file a civil rights complaint online, by email or by mail, so the date is on record

Call 1-800-421-3481

Before you call: what to have ready

Have ready

your name and address, and a phone number where you can be reached during business hours if you can give one (the page says the number is not required)
the name of the school or district, and its city and state
a description of what happened, in enough detail for OCR to understand what occurred, when it occurred, and the basis for the alleged discrimination
if the student is over 18: the student's written consent, which the page says you must get when you file for them

They can

take a complaint about discrimination at a school or school system that gets federal Department of Education money, because of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age
include, under race, color and national origin, discrimination based on actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, including membership in a religion that may be perceived to exhibit such characteristics (the page names Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh people as examples)
take a complaint from anyone: the person filing does not have to be the one who was harmed
take a complaint without you using the school's own grievance process first: the page says the law does not require it
look at a complaint that a school punished someone for complaining: the page says a school that gets federal money may not retaliate, and you may file with OCR if you think it did
take a complaint online, by email to ocr@ed.gov, or by mail or fax, using OCR's form or your own signed letter

They cannot

reach a private school that gets no federal Department of Education money: the page says the laws it enforces cover programs that receive that money, which include all public schools

Protection & Advocacy for people with disabilities (NDRN)

US, if your child has a disability: pick your state to find the agency that gives legal advocacy to people with disabilities, and ask whether it can help when a school does not stop harassment because of a disability. This page is a list of agencies, not a helpline

ndrn.org

Before you call: what to have ready

Have ready

the state or territory where you live: the page starts with 'Select Your State or Territory'

They can

show you the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency for your state or territory, with its address, phone, email and website
point you to agencies that the page describes as providing legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities

They cannot

take your case itself: it is the membership organisation for the state agencies, so you contact the agency in your state
give one national phone number on this page: each state or territory agency lists its own

National Parent & Youth Helpline

US, for you as a parent or carer, or for a young person: call, text or live chat, free, at any hour

Call 1-855-427-2736 · Text 1-855-427-2736 · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Before you call: what to have ready

They can

answer by call or text on 1-855-427-2736, or by live chat, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free: the page says it is for a parent, caregiver, child or youth who is struggling

In the United Kingdom

Samaritans

UK, for you, at any hour: call 116 123, free from any phone, if the worry is more than you can carry or you are thinking about ending your life

Call 116 123 · Any time, day or night, every day of the year

Before you call: what to have ready

They can

answer 116 123 at any time, day or night, free from any phone, including pay-as-you-go mobiles with no credit
listen without judging or telling you what to do, about whatever you are going through, including the loss of someone

They cannot

reply to email: the UK email service has closed. Web chat is running at a small scale and is not open to everyone yet

Childline

UK, if your child is under 19: a counsellor at any hour, free, and the call will not show on a phone bill. They can talk about anything, including bullying, and can help a child under 18 get a sexual picture removed

Call 0800 1111 · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Before you call: what to have ready

They can

talk with a counsellor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0800 1111 or by 1-2-1 online chat; you can talk about anything, big or small
take your call free from most landlines and mobiles in the UK: the call will not show on a phone bill, and you can call even if you have no credit
help deaf young people through 1-2-1 chat or email to a counsellor, or British Sign Language through an interpreter (SignVideo, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm)
help you, if you are under 18, report a sexual picture or video of yourself and get it removed from the internet, with Report Remove, run with the Internet Watch Foundation

They cannot

take more than 10 calls in 24 hours from a single phone number: the site says a limit applies
replace 999: the site says in an emergency you should always call 999

At night it can take longer to get through on chat, and calls may be shorter than usual. If it is difficult to get through and you need urgent help, call 999.

CEOP Safety Centre

If a child is in danger now, call 999 first. UK, if an adult is contacting a child online in a way that worries you, or a sexual picture is being shared or used to threaten them: report it online to CEOP, the National Crime Agency's child protection command

ceop.police.uk · Online

Before you call: what to have ready

They can

take a report, made online, to one of CEOP's Child Protection Advisors, if you are worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online
take a report if you are worried this is happening to someone you know: the page invites you to let CEOP know safely and securely
point you to Childline if you are being bullied or are not ready to report: the page says you can talk to Childline anonymously online or on the phone

Coram Family Lives

England and Wales, for you as a parent or carer: emotional support, information and advice on any parenting issue, Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm and weekends 10am to 3pm. It cannot give legal advice. This is not Child Law Advice, below

Call 0808 800 2222 · Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm. Weekends 10am to 3pm.

Before you call: what to have ready

They can

listen and talk through your situation and your options: a free parenting helpline for families in England and Wales, on 0808 800 2222
give emotional support, information, advice and guidance on any aspect of parenting and family life: Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm, weekends 10am to 3pm
talk with you by online chat or WhatsApp (07441 444125) on Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm, or reply to an email to askus@coramfamilylives.org.uk within 24 hours on Monday to Friday

They cannot

give legal or medical advice
take calls as a Scotland service: for callers from Scotland, the page points to the Children First Supportline on 08000 28 22 33

If you do not get an answer first time, try again: the page says so.

Coram Kidscape Parent Advice Line (bullying)

England and Wales, for a parent or carer: a bullying advice line on the school's responsibilities, how to talk to the school and how to support your child. It is open only on Monday and Tuesday, 9.30am to 2.30pm; at other times leave a message or email. It does not contact the school for you

Call 0300 102 4481 · Monday and Tuesday, 9.30am to 2.30pm. At other times, leave a message or email.

Before you call: what to have ready

Have ready

a pen and paper to jot down notes, and a quiet place where you can talk

They may ask

your name and best contact number, if you leave a message
some personal information, such as your child's age and your location. You do not have to give it

They can

listen and advise you, led by what you choose to share: friendly, impartial and non-judgemental
give guidance on a school's responsibilities and on how to communicate well with your child's school
give tips on how to support your child, and details of other organisations that can help
be reached by WhatsApp or email as well as by phone: 07496 682785 and pal@coramkidscape.org.uk

They cannot

take on your individual case or act as your advocate, or contact the school for you unless there are serious safeguarding concerns
give specific legal advice: they can tell you the legislation on bullying
offer counselling, or advise anyone living outside England and Wales
advise on bullying of adults: the page says they can point you to a more relevant organisation
speak with your child: the line is for parents, carers and family members, and for a child the page points to Childline on 0800 1111 (24 hours)
answer outside Monday and Tuesday, 9.30am to 2.30pm

If no one is free when you call, leave a message with your name and best number, or send an email, and they will be in touch. The page gives no reply time. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Child Law Advice (Coram)

England: free legal advice on education law, by phone, webchat or email, which GOV.UK points parents to; its site has a page on bullying. It cannot represent you, or advise you if you already have a solicitor

Call 0300 330 5485 · Phone (education line): Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. Webchat: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm. Email form: any time.

Before you call: what to have ready

They can

give free legal advice on education law, including exclusions, by phone on the education line, by webchat or by email
arrange an interpreter if you find it difficult to speak English

They cannot

advise you if you have a solicitor or barrister, or have applied for legal aid through a solicitor
advise about a child who lives outside England
represent you, meet you face to face, draft court forms or appeals, or advise on the merits of an appeal

IPSEA (special educational needs legal advice)

England, only if your child has special educational needs or a disability: free legal advice from volunteer advisers on school problems that come from it. The call-in line is open Tuesday and Wednesday, 9.30am to 2.30pm, and the call is charged at a local rate. For a disability discrimination claim, book its Tribunal Helpline early: appointments are released up to 4 weeks ahead

Call 0300 222 5899 · Call-in helpline: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9.30am to 2.30pm (the page also lists Thursday). The Advice Line and Tribunal Helpline are by booked appointment.

Before you call: what to have ready

Have ready

a note of the issues you are facing now, focusing on what you need next-step advice about
a quiet place to talk, a pen and paper, and up to 45 minutes

They may ask

personal information about you and the child or young person the call is about. You do not have to answer, but without it they may not be able to advise you

They can

give free and independent next-step legal information and advice on any educational issue that results from a child's SEND, including exclusions
advise on appeals and disability discrimination claims to the SEND Tribunal, by booked appointment on the Tribunal Helpline
dial in an interpreter on a booked call, if you say which language you need when you book

They cannot

advise you if a solicitor or another advocate is already supporting you
help professionals: the call-in helpline is not suitable for them
advise on the law outside England

Demand is likely to be very high. If your call has not been answered after 5 minutes it will be ended: try again later in the day. The calls are recorded for monitoring and training.

Children's Commissioner for Wales

Wales: the Children's Commissioner's free advice service for children and the people who care for them, weekdays 9am to 5pm

Call 0808 801 1000 · Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm; closed on bank holidays

Before you call: what to have ready

Have ready

your name and contact details
details of the child or young person you are calling about, if you are calling about one
some details about the issue you want to discuss

They may ask

your name, contact details, and details of the child or young person you are contacting it about, if you are calling about one
some details about the issue you want to discuss

They can

give advice, or point you to a more appropriate organisation; if it can help but needs to stay in touch, it keeps helping until the issue is resolved or there is nothing else it can do
advise about a child or young person who usually lives in Wales, or is placed in England by a Welsh local authority, up to age 18 (21 if they have been in care, 25 if in care and still in education), who has a complaint or wants to make representations to a public service in Wales, or who needs advice about safeguarding or children's rights
reply to an email or a message sent through its contact form: its duty officer aims to reply the same day if it arrives between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday
work with children, young people and adults to find a solution: the Welsh Government's guidance says its officers do this but are not counsellors

They cannot

look into any matter that is or has been the subject of legal proceedings, or act where CAFCASS is able to act: the advice-steps page says so
take the place of a school's governors or its complaints procedure: the Welsh Government's guidance says it does not
act as a counsellor: the Welsh Government's guidance says its officers are not counsellors
advise about a child who does not usually live in Wales, unless a Welsh local authority placed them in England: the advice-steps page says it can only advise about a child who does
answer on bank holidays: the page says it is closed

It aims to get back to you within 3 working days of your first contact. If the duty officer cannot take your call, it tries to call you back later that day or at least the following day, and it does not leave a message saying it has called. For a voicemail left outside working hours, it says it will attempt to contact you during the next working day.

Meic (helpline for children and young people in Wales)

Wales, if your child is 25 or under: advice for them by phone, WhatsApp, text or chat, 8am to midnight every day, in Welsh or English; calls are free. They can talk about bullying at school, and if they want, an adviser can contact people such as teachers for them, or join a three-way call. Its pages are written to young people and do not say whether a parent can call

Call 0808 80 23456 · Text 07943 114 449 · 8am to midnight, 7 days a week.

Before you call: what to have ready

They may ask

your age and where you live in Wales, so they can find useful information. You do not have to say
your name, address and contact details only if you want them to get in touch with someone else for you. That is up to you

They can

listen, talk through what is happening, offer advice and help you work out what you want to change
find the best people or services to help you and put you in touch with them
contact people for you using your exact words, or set up a three-way call so they can support you live, for example to talk to teachers about bullying
talk with you by phone, WhatsApp, text or online chat, in Welsh or English, without you giving your name

They cannot

answer after midnight: they are open 8am to midnight, 7 days a week
keep everything private in every case: if you are under 18, they tell someone if they believe your life or someone else's is in danger, or you are being hurt or might be hurt; if you are 18 or over, if you are in immediate danger or a child is at risk of harm. Their confidentiality page lists more cases
promise to help anyone over 25 or outside Wales: Meic describes itself as the helpline for children and young people aged 25 and under in Wales

Children First Support Line

Scotland, for you as a parent or carer: free, Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm and weekends 9am to noon. Its page lists bullying among what it supports

Call 08000 28 22 33 · Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm. Weekends 9am to noon.

Before you call: what to have ready

They can

answer the support line free on 08000 28 22 33: Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm, and weekends 9am to noon
support parents and carers in Scotland with worries the page lists, including bullying, social media, exam stress and mental health, with emotional, practical and financial help
talk by webchat or email as well as the phone: the page offers both

They cannot

help a parent in England directly: the page says, if you live in England, to contact Family Lives (now Coram Family Lives) for further support
replace 999: the page says to ring 999 if you think a child is in immediate danger

Citizens Advice Scotland (Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline)

Scotland: a local bureau or the helpline can give advice. Its page on problems at school explains the council and Ombudsman route for a council school

Call 0800 028 1456

Before you call: what to have ready

Have ready

your postcode: the page finds your local Citizens Advice Bureau by postcode

They can

put you through to an adviser at your local bureau by phone on 0800 028 1456, the Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline
give free, confidential and impartial advice, and help you work out next steps
raise a complaint with an energy supplier for you through its Extra Help Unit, if you may be considered vulnerable or at risk of disconnection
give advice online, on its advice pages

Enquire (Scottish advice service for additional support for learning)

Scotland, if your child has additional support needs: advice on your child's rights to support and the next steps. Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. Calls are charged, and an adviser can call you back if cost is a problem

Call 0345 123 2303 · Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am to 4.30pm. Closed Wednesday, Friday and weekends. Webform and webchat also.

Before you call: what to have ready

Have ready

if you use the webform, a few sentences on your main concerns, what you want to happen or change, what the child or young person wants, and the steps you have already taken

They can

explain children's rights to additional support and advise on the next steps you can take
talk about advocacy and signpost local advocacy services
arrange an interpreter for over 200 languages: tell the adviser at the start of the call

They cannot

provide advocacy: Enquire is an advice and information service
offer call backs from the webform

If you do not get through first time, try again later or use another way to contact them.

Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO)

Scotland, once the council's complaints procedure has ended: the final stage for complaints about most public services in Scotland. Its published decisions include complaints about how council schools dealt with bullying

Call 0800 377 7330 · Phone: Tuesday 1pm to 5pm, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 1pm. Closed Monday and Thursday.

Children's Law Centre (Northern Ireland)

Northern Ireland, for a parent, carer or young person: free legal advice and information by phone or email on problems at school, including special educational needs

Call 0808 808 5678

Before you call: what to have ready

They can

give free legal advice and information by phone or email on difficulties in school, access to services for disabled children and special educational needs

They cannot

take on every case: it gives free advice, and takes on only some cases itself

Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO)

Northern Ireland, once the school's complaints procedure has ended: an independent, free Ombudsman that can look at how a grant-aided school dealt with bullying

Call 0800 34 34 24

Contact (helpline for families with disabled children)

UK, if your child is disabled or has additional needs (up to age 25, no diagnosis needed): a free helpline for parents and carers, weekdays. Press 1 for an education adviser. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland it gives information and points you to advice there

Call 0808 808 3555 · Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm (opens 10.15am on Tuesdays). Closed on public holidays.

Before you call: what to have ready

Have ready

a pen and paper, and any documents you want to talk about
a quiet place to talk: the page says a call may take 30 minutes or longer
press 1 for an education adviser
your child's age and needs, and the area you live in (the page asks for these when you email or use the web form)

They may ask

on the web form or by email: your name, postcode, address, email, phone number, council and region or country
your child's age, disability, any identified special educational needs (SEN, ALN or ASN), and whether they have an EHC plan, Statement, IDP or Co-ordinated Support Plan
health conditions your child has been diagnosed with or is waiting to have assessed, and your relationship to the child

They can

give advice, information and support to parents and carers of a disabled child aged from birth to 25, in any part of the UK, with any kind of disability or additional need and no diagnosis needed
in England, give initial advice on how to challenge school and council decisions, including complaints and SEND Tribunal appeals, and help when a child with additional needs has problems at school such as exclusion or discrimination
give information and signpost you to other sources of advice if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

They cannot

give legal advice, or take on your case or represent you at meetings and tribunals
fill in forms, check paperwork, write letters for you, or attend meetings at the school or council
help if your child does not have a disability or additional need, or is over 25

Demand is high and you may have to wait. The busiest times are 10am to 11.30am, 1pm to 2pm and 4pm to 5pm. When it is very busy you may not be able to join the queue and cannot leave a message: try again.

Say it this way

Change anything to your own words.

To the school · today; keep a copy · by email

My child [name], in [class], is being bullied. [What has happened, with dates.] I am worried about their safety. Please tell me in writing what you will do to keep them safe, who my contact is, and when I will hear from you. Please send me your anti-bullying policy and your complaints procedure.

To the school, if the bullying carries on or the reply is not enough · as soon as you see the bullying has not stopped · by email

Thank you for your reply. The bullying has [carried on / not stopped]: [what has happened since, with dates]. I would like to make a formal complaint. Please send me the steps and dates in your complaints procedure, and tell me who will look at this.

To the police · if a crime may have happened and no one is in danger now: 101 in the UK, your local police in the US · by call

I want to report that my child [name], age [age], has been [hit / threatened / sent threatening messages] by [who, if known]. It happened on [date] at [place]. I have [messages / photos / a doctor's note]. Could you give me a reference number and tell me what happens next?

To the school, about your child's disability or needs · today, or as soon as you think the bullying is linked to it · by email

My child [name] has [a diagnosis / an EHC plan / an IEP / a 504 plan / additional support needs]. I think the bullying is linked to this. Please take this into account, tell me in writing what extra protection you will put in place, and send me what you have recorded about the incidents.

Not for you if…

This guide is for a parent or carer whose child is being bullied at school by other pupils, and for a young person who is being bullied. It is about public and state-funded schools. A private school follows its own complaints procedure, and GOV.UK says the Department for Education in England cannot investigate individual complaints about private schools: read the school's own papers. In the US, a private school that gets no federal money is outside the Department of Education's complaint route. If your child has a disability, ask the disability rights agency in Who to call what applies. If a teacher or another adult at the school is hurting or abusing your child, call 911 or 999 if they are in danger now; GOV.UK says to contact your local council or call the police on 101 if you think a child is at risk, and in the UK Childline is on 0800 1111. In the US, the Childhelp hotline is 1-800-422-4453, at any hour. It is not for a child who has been accused of bullying, or for bullying of an adult at work or college. It is not for bullying that has nothing to do with your child's school, such as in a club: GOV.UK says to report that to someone you trust and, if it is a crime, to the police. If your child has been suspended or excluded, the guide for that fits better. If your child has a disability or special needs, the guide for a child who is not getting the help they need at school also applies. If your child has been accused of hitting back, or the police want to speak to your child, talk to a lawyer or an adviser before your child answers questions. You need a lawyer or an adviser rather than this page if the school will not act after a formal complaint, if you think your child was treated unfairly because of a disability, race, sex or another protected reason, if your child has been seriously hurt, or if a date in the school's papers is close. The dates in your own papers come first.

A different emergency? Account frozen or closed · Behind on mortgage · Benefits stopped · A car accident · Car repossessed or towed · Suspended or excluded from school · Help at school · Council tax or rates · Debt collector or court papers · Deposit not returned · Sent home from hospital · Eviction notice · Flood, fire or storm · Health cover ending · Unsafe home · Hurt at work · Paid a scammer · Lost my job · Lost wallet or phone · A medical bill · No money for food · Nowhere to sleep · Parking or traffic fine · Shutoff notice · Someone died · Stalking, harassment or shared pictures · Someone is missing · Identity theft · Stranded away from home · A tax bill · Told to leave home · Pay being taken · Wages not paid