Anti-bullying

What obligations do FE colleges have around anti-bullying?

FE colleges have a legal duty of care to provide a safe learning environment free from bullying and harassment. Colleges must have clear anti-bullying policies, response systems for reporting incidents, and monitoring to ensure policies are followed.

What types of bullying happen most in FE settings?

Verbal, physical, and cyberbullying occur in FE colleges as they do in workplaces and secondary schools. Common incidents involve derogatory name-calling, physical threats, abuse related to protected characteristics, spreading rumors online, and social exclusion.

How should bullying incidents be reported in FE?

Every FE college has designated reporting procedures outlined in their anti-bullying policy. Students should inform their tutor, head of department, student support services, or a security guard. Confidential reporting and anonymous reporting options are made available as well.

What are some anti-bullying initiatives in FE?

Many FE colleges now deliver anti-bullying assemblies, lessons, workshops and online training modules to reinforce expectations and reporting procedures. Bystander intervention training equips students to speak out against bullying safely. Student-led campaigns and mentoring programs further bolster efforts through peer modeling and support.

What happens when bullying is reported?

The college is obligated to investigate any bullying allegations and implement sanctions according to their discipline policy, up to and including suspensions or permanent exclusions. Support services are offered to impacted students. Follow up monitoring helps check that issues have been resolved.