A growing number of parents are expressing concern that current school policies and legal frameworks inadvertently protect children who bully, rather than the victims of their actions. These advocates are campaigning for a standardized approach to bullying procedures across the country, arguing that existing guidance is insufficient to protect vulnerable students.
One parent, Ashley, shared her experience where her seven-year-old son, Josh, was subjected to bullying at his primary school. To avoid the aggressor, Josh was required to spend playtime and intervals inside the classroom. "It was just to keep him away from the bullying, which I felt wasn't really the right answer," she stated. The bullying continued, leading Josh to become withdrawn and even feign illness to avoid school.
Despite being separated during break times, Josh was reportedly hit by the other child while in the same classroom. Ashley noted that teachers appeared constrained in their actions, suggesting that "inclusion policies" might limit their ability to intervene as they once could. "I don't think they're allowed to send kids out of the classroom," she commented. She praised the teacher's efforts but felt that the available policies were not robust enough.
Ashley's research into anti-bullying regulations revealed that such policies are often merely guidance, particularly in Scotland, a fact she found difficult to accept. She believes a consistent national framework is necessary so that schools and families nationwide understand how bullying incidents should be handled, with clear consequences for unacceptable behavior. "We still need to know right from wrong and I feel like children who are getting away with doing stuff like this at school just go on to think that they can do whatever they want and what chance have they got?" she asked, highlighting concerns about the long-term impact on children who are not held accountable.
Lesley, another parent involved in the advocacy group, shares similar sentiments, believing that current school guidelines are inadequate to address the issue effectively. The parents' campaign aims to shift the focus towards better protection for victims and more consistent accountability for those who engage in bullying behavior.