Overview

• Asked directly, 8% of 13-year-olds said they were bullied in the past three months, yet 62% reported at least one bullying-type behaviour on a checklist and 37% experienced at least one type repeatedly.
• Only four in 10 who faced bullying-type behaviour told an adult, with young people more likely to speak up about hurtful material posted online than about other behaviours.
• Risk is higher for 13-year-olds with a disability, those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or questioning, and those who are overweight.
• Girls are less likely to be hit but more likely to face social exclusion, name-calling and nasty online comments, and they more often report feeling anger, upset or fear.
• Children picked on at age nine are more likely to be bullied at 13 and show poorer well-being and higher depression scores, as the NSPCC shares back-to-school guidance for parents on signs and support.