Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment she has made of the prevalence of bullying among children at school, and what steps she is taking to tackle bullying.

Tackling and preventing bullying in schools is essential to ensure that children feel safe, attend school, and achieve and thrive.

The 2024/25 National Behaviour Survey found that, in May 2025, 21% of pupils in years 7 to 13 reported having been bullied for any reason in the previous 12 months, compared with 24% in April 2024.Schools are required to have behaviour policies that include measures to prevent bullying. As part of their policies, they should monitor bullying and adopt approaches to tackle the issue.

The department has commissioned an expert, evidence-led review of best practice in managing behaviour, reducing preventable exclusions, and preventing and tackling bullying. Its findings will inform a toolkit to help schools develop safe and supportive cultures. In addition, regional improvement for standards and excellence Attendance and Behaviour hubs are supporting thousands to schools to strengthen behaviour policies, including addressing bullying.