How can schools use data to prevent and tackle bullying?

Why collect data on bullying?

Bullying is widespread and can have harmful effects on children and young people’s attainment, ambition, emotional wellbeing and health.

In England, Scotland and Wales, governments and inspectorates expect schools to show how effective their anti-bullying policies are, including tackling prejudice-based bullying (this can include homophobia, racism, sexism and transphobia).

Collecting data helps schools to develop effective anti-bullying policies, enabling them to identify where bullying is taking place and spot trends in bullying.

How to use data to develop your anti-bullying strategy – read our guide for schools and education professionals.

Anti-bullying case studies: real-life examples

Real-life examples of how eight primary, secondary and special schools across Britain gather, analyse and use data to prevent and tackle prejudice-based bullying.

Children and young people’s rights

Respecting the rights and responsibilities of every pupil is central to Norwood Green Junior School’s approach to tackling prejudice-based bullying.

Download the case study: children and young people' rights (PDF)

Protecting students with Special Educational Needs and disability

Trinity, a small independent school for learners with autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Asperger syndrome, uses data to make sure it tackles bullying quickly and effectively.

Download the case study: protecting students with Special Educational Needs and disability (PDF)

Cyberbullying and sexting

Crickhowell High School uses a data-based approach to tackle the growing problem of online bullying – especially involving sexually explicit content.

Download the case study: cyberbullying and sexting (PDF)

Dealing with banter

Redhill, a large mixed secondary comprehensive, puts significant resources into gathering, analysing and acting on bullying data. It has recently uncovered a rise in prejudice-based banter.

Download the case study: dealing with banter (PDF)

Being open and honest

Framingham Earl, a mixed comprehensive for 11 to 16 year olds, encourages staff and students to talk openly about bullying. Recently it has been working with students to tackle sexism and sexist bullying.

Download the case study: being open and honest (PDF)

Building awareness through data

Sir Christopher Hatton Academy uses data to identify specific training needs to tackle prejudice-based bullying – for staff, students and parents.

Download the case study: building awareness through data (PDF)

Using data to support wellbeing

Wallace High School gathers, analyses and shares data to help shape its proactive approach to preventing bullying and supporting pupils’ health and wellbeing.

Download the case study: using data to support wellbeing (PDF)

Using data and good governance to strengthen anti-bullying

Ralph Thoresby secondary school shares bullying data with governors every term. Scrutiny from governors in turn shapes the school’s anti-bullying policy and strategies.