1 | Why this matters
Many children in care have already experienced power-imbalance and shame. Bullying—whether face-to-face or online—can re-traumatise, reinforce negative self-beliefs and derail placement stability. Our goal is therefore prevention first, rapid safeguarding second, restorative learning always. The agency operates a zero-tolerance, “telling organisation” approach, as set out in the Anti-Bullying & Discriminatory Policy.
2 | Creating a bullying-safe climate
| Trauma-informed principle | Everyday practice |
| Safety & predictability | Clear house rules displayed in words/pictures; regular family meetings so every voice is heard. |
| Trust & transparency | Explain what bullying is and how carers will act; children know who sees their disclosure and why. |
| Empowerment | Praise “up-stander” behaviour; teach assertive (not aggressive) responses. |
| Cultural sensitivity | Challenge racist, homophobic, faith-based or disability-based language immediately; link to Equality & Diversity Policy. |
| Collaboration & repair | Use restorative conversations so those who bully understand impact and practise new skills. |
Online safety (gaming, social apps, group chats) follows the expectations in the Social-Media Policy—privacy settings high, devices in shared areas, open dialogue not bans.
3 | Spotting the signs
Changes in routine, unexplained injuries or property loss, sudden school refusal, secretive phone use or aggressive outbursts can all be indicators. Treat any unexplained behaviour change as a potential bullying red flag and explore gently with PACE questions (“You seem quieter after school—what was that like for you today?”).
4 | If your foster child is bullying others
- Gather facts – speak with school / club staff for a clear, non-emotive account.
- Inform professionals – tell the child’s social worker and your Supervising Social Worker (SSW).
- Explore need beneath behaviour – worries about birth-family contact, peer pressure, sensory overload?
- Agree a Restorative Action Plan
- teach alternative coping skills (deep-breathing, walking away, journaling);
- use proportionate, linked sanctions (repair/replace items, service to the peer group);
- schedule daily praise for positive interactions.
- Record – log incident and plan in Daily Record and, if serious, complete Incident Form (24-h rule).
5 | If your foster child is being bullied
- Listen & reassure – “I’m glad you told me; you’re not to blame.”
- Safety check – is the child physically safe right now? If not, follow Safeguarding Policy escalation.
- Evidence gather – screenshots, dates, names; keep originals safe.
- Multi-agency response – inform school, social worker, SSW; request school’s Anti-Bullying lead.
- Empower the child – rehearsed scripts, assertive body language, safe friendship circles.
- Follow up – daily check-ins; review Risk Assessment and Child Safer Caring Policy.
Cyberbullying: block/report user, adjust privacy, involve platform if needed; never remove the device as punishment (can feel like double-victimisation).
6 | Recording & notifications
| Form / action | When | Who sees it |
| Incident entry in Daily Log | Same day | SSW, child’s SW |
| Incident Report Form | Within 24 h for serious or repeated bullying | Manager, LA & (if hate-crime) Police |
| Update Risk Assessment | Within 48 h | SSW, care team |
Persistent / severe bullying may become a child-protection concern (peer-on-peer abuse) and follow the Safeguarding escalation pathway.
7 | Linked policies
- Anti-Bullying & Discriminatory Policy – definitions, zero-tolerance stance, restorative options.
- Social-Media Policy – cyber-safety rules, monitoring, privacy settings.
- Equality & Diversity Policy – responding to racist, homophobic or disability-based bullying.
- Behaviour Management Policy & Guidance – proportionate sanctions, PACE approach.
- Safeguarding Policy – when bullying crosses harm thresholds.
Key message for carers: Bullying thrives on silence. Create a home where every child knows “I will be believed, I will be helped, and we will fix this together.”
