Understanding Bullying on School Transport
Bullying on school transport is a serious issue that can have lasting effects on a young person's wellbeing and education.
Why School Transport Can Be Vulnerable to Bullying
Extended Time Together
Students spend significant time together in a confined space with limited supervision.
Limited Adult Supervision
The driver must focus on the road, making it difficult to monitor all passenger interactions.
Regular Routine
The same students travel together daily, creating opportunities for persistent targeting.
Enclosed Environment
Limited space and inability to easily leave the situation can intensify bullying experiences.
Your Rights
You have the legal right to travel to school safely, without fear of bullying or harassment.
Your Fundamental Right to Safety
Legally, pupils are entitled to travel on a bus or coach without fear or stress of being bullied or threatened in any way. It is an offence to make any passenger feel or believe their safety is compromised in any respect.
Legal Protections
Duty of Care
Schools and local authorities have a legal duty of care to ensure your safety during school transport journeys.
Harassment Laws
Harassment and threatening behaviour on public transport is a criminal offence under UK law.
Equality Rights
You have the right to be free from discrimination based on any protected characteristic.
Right to Report
You have the right to report incidents without fear of retaliation or being blamed.
Getting Help
Taking the first step to get help can feel scary, but you don't have to face this alone.
Steps to Getting Support
Reach Out
Contact BUSK, tell a trusted adult, or speak to someone you feel comfortable with. You can ask someone else to contact us on your behalf if you prefer.
Share Your Experience
Tell us what's happening. We'll listen without judgment and help you understand your options. Everything you share is treated with confidentiality.
Develop a Plan
We'll work with you to create a plan of action. This might involve contacting your school, the transport provider, or other authorities.
Follow-Up Support
We'll stay in touch to make sure the situation improves and provide ongoing support as needed.
Who Can Help You
BUSK
Free, expert advice and support specifically for school transport issues.
Phone: 07926 116631
Email: buskuk@btinternet.com
Childline
Free, confidential support for anyone under 19. Available 24/7.
Phone: 0800 1111
Online: childline.org.uk
School Staff
Teachers, head teachers, or school counsellors who you trust and feel comfortable talking to.
Family & Friends
Parents, carers, older siblings, or trusted friends who can provide support and advocate for you.
Local Authorities
Local education authorities, police, or social services when incidents are severe.
Anti-Bullying Organisations
Specialist organisations with expertise in bullying prevention and support.
Anti-Bullying Alliance: anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
If You're in Immediate Danger
Emergency Situations
If you are in immediate physical danger or fear for your safety:
- Call 999 if you are in immediate danger
- Tell the driver or any adult immediately
- Move to a safer part of the vehicle if possible
- Ask other passengers for help if needed
Building Your Case
Documenting incidents helps build a strong case and ensures authorities take appropriate action.
Why Documentation Matters
Keeping detailed records helps demonstrate the pattern and severity of bullying, making it easier for schools and authorities to take effective action.
What to Record
Incident Details
Witnesses
Evidence
Official Actions
Recording Tips
Record Immediately
Write down incidents as soon as possible while details are fresh in your memory.
Be Specific
Include exact quotes, specific actions, and precise times rather than general descriptions.
Keep Records Safe
Store your records securely and make backup copies. Consider sharing copies with trusted adults.
Visual Evidence
Take photos of any physical evidence, but prioritise your safety over gathering evidence.
When to Contact Police
Police Log Numbers
You can contact the police to make an official complaint and get a log number. This creates an official record even if no immediate action is taken.
Contact police when bullying involves:
- Physical violence or threats of violence
- Theft or damage to property
- Hate crimes or discrimination
- Sexual harassment or assault
- Serious intimidation or stalking
School Responsibilities
Schools and local authorities have legal obligations to prevent bullying and respond effectively when it occurs.
What Schools Must Do
Quick Response
Schools must act quickly when bullying is reported. Delays in response could be seen as failing to discharge their duty of care.
Thorough Investigation
All reports must be investigated thoroughly, with interviews conducted and evidence gathered appropriately.
Communication
Schools must keep parents/carers informed of investigations and actions taken to address bullying incidents.
Follow-Up
Schools must monitor the situation after interventions to ensure bullying has stopped and provide ongoing support.
Record Keeping
All incidents, investigations, and actions taken must be properly documented and records maintained.
When Schools Fail to Act
Legal Consequences
If a school or local authority does not act quickly when bullying is reported, they could be failing to discharge their legal duty of care. This is not acceptable and may result in:
- Formal complaints to education authorities
- Involvement of local ombudsman
- Legal action for breach of duty of care
- Intervention by regulatory bodies
Escalation Process
School Level
Report to class teacher, head of year, or head teacher. Give them reasonable time to investigate and respond.
School Governors
If unsatisfied with the school's response, escalate to the school's governing body or board of trustees.
Local Authority
Contact the local education authority if the school is not taking appropriate action.
Regulatory Bodies
Contact Ofsted, the Department for Education, or relevant ombudsman services.
For Parents and Carers
If your child is experiencing bullying on school transport, your support and advocacy are crucial for resolving the situation.
Signs Your Child May Be Being Bullied
Behavioural Changes
Emotional Signs
Physical Signs
How to Support Your Child
Listen and Believe
Take your child seriously and let them know they've done the right thing by telling you. Avoid immediately jumping to solutions - sometimes they just need to be heard.
Reassure and Support
Make it clear that the bullying is not their fault and that you will work together to resolve the situation. Praise them for their courage in speaking up.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates, times, witnesses, and your child's emotional state. Take photos of any physical evidence.
Work Together
Involve your child in deciding how to address the situation. They need to feel empowered and part of the solution.
Seek Professional Help
Contact BUSK, the school, or other support services. Don't try to handle severe bullying situations alone.
Safety First
If your child is in immediate danger, prioritise their safety. This might mean arranging alternative transport temporarily.
Developing a Family Safety Plan
Open Communication
Establish regular check-ins about school and transport experiences. Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable sharing concerns.
Clear Strategies
Discuss and practice strategies for dealing with bullying situations, including when to walk away, when to seek help, and how to stay safe.
Emergency Contacts
Ensure your child knows how to contact you, school staff, or emergency services if needed. Consider providing a mobile phone if appropriate.
Support Network
Help your child identify trusted adults at school and friends who can provide support during difficult situations.