Schools can respond to bullying in a variety of ways. Whatever they choose, the method should be clearly explained in the school’s behaviour policy.

Depending on the nature of the incident, a traditional disciplinary approach may work – but more and more schools are now using alternative approaches.  These approaches encourage a positive change in the motivation of the young person who has bullied, and support for the target of the bullying.  Restorative Justice is one of the most popular and well-researched responses. 

Restorative justice methods were originally developed from the peacekeeping methods used by Maori communities in New Zealand; they are also used in the criminal justice system.  In 2000 the Youth Justice Board piloted started using these methods in schools to deal with incidents of bullying.  This was rolled out to 26 schools and in 2004, an evaluation found that the approach had been successful and had numerous benefits.

The method involves healing emotional damage and making sure that fairness and justice prevails.  It is not about finding who’s to blame, but making sure the young person who has caused the harm understands the impact of their behaviour.  There is no set way to administer restorative justice – it ranges from a very formal process through to an informal approach to everyday events. 

For more information on restorative justice, visit http://www.restorativejustice.org.uk/.