top of page
Search

Bullying in Schools: How to Protect Students with SEND

Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected at school. Sadly, bullying remains a challenge in many classrooms and playgrounds, and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are often at greater risk. Understanding what bullying is, how it shows up, and what the law says can help parents, teachers, and schools take action to protect vulnerable learners.


An aerial view of a teenage girl covering her eyes. She is in the centre of a group of teenagers who are pointing at her.

What is Bullying?


Bullying is not the same as the occasional disagreement or playground squabble. It is deliberate, repeated behaviour intended to cause harm, distress, or fear.


It can happen face-to-face, in groups, or increasingly, online. Bullying thrives when it is ignored, so recognising it quickly is key to stopping it.


Different Forms of Bullying


Bullying can take many shapes, and SEND students may experience several at once. Common forms include:

  • Verbal bullying: name-calling, insults, or mocking a child’s speech, behaviour, or differences

  • Physical bullying: hitting, pushing, tripping, or damaging possessions

  • Social bullying: excluding someone, spreading rumours, or turning peers against them

  • Cyberbullying: online abuse via social media, messaging apps, or gaming platforms

  • Disability-related bullying: targeting a child’s autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other needs


Why SEND Students Are More Vulnerable


Research shows that children with SEND are disproportionately affected by bullying. Factors that may increase vulnerability include:

  • Differences in communication or social interaction

  • Behaviours linked to autism or ADHD that peers may not understand

  • Needing visible support (such as one-to-one staff), which can set them apart

  • Lower self-confidence, making it harder to report bullying or defend themselves


This makes it essential for schools and communities to be proactive in creating safe, inclusive environments.


What the Law Says: UK Anti-Bullying Responsibilities


Schools in the UK have a legal duty to tackle bullying and safeguard every child. Key legislation and guidance include:


These frameworks mean schools must have clear anti-bullying policies, take

action when bullying occurs, and ensure that SEND students are supported.


How to Confront Bullying: Practical Strategies


Tackling bullying requires a whole-school and community approach. Here are key steps that make a difference:


1. Promote Inclusion and Empathy

  • Use lessons and assemblies to celebrate diversity and neurodiversity

  • Encourage peer understanding of autism, ADHD, and other SEND conditions

  • Reinforce values of kindness and respect across the school culture


2. Spot the Signs Early

  • Train staff to notice changes in behaviour, mood, or attendance

  • Provide ongoing SEND-specific training to recognise disability-related bullying

  • Take every concern seriously, no matter how small it may seem


3. Provide Safe Spaces and Trusted Adults

  • Ensure students know who to talk to if something happens

  • Offer safe zones (such as quiet areas) during breaks

  • Use buddy systems or peer mentors for additional support


4. Involve Parents and Carers

  • Keep open communication between home and school

  • Provide clear reporting pathways for families

  • Share strategies so responses are consistent in both settings


5. Take Action and Educate

  • Address bullying behaviour immediately and fairly

  • Use restorative approaches where appropriate

  • Teach digital safety skills to prevent and respond to cyberbullying


Standing Together Against Bullying


Bullying should never be dismissed as “just part of growing up.” For SEND students, the effects can be long-lasting, impacting mental health, learning, and self-esteem. By recognising the signs, understanding the law, and working together, schools, families, and communities can ensure that every child feels safe and included.


When we stand up to bullying, we send a clear message: difference is not a weakness, it is a strength that enriches us all.


bottom of page