Does KCSIE require schools to have a specific peer-on-peer abuse policy?

KCSIE requires schools and colleges to have a policy on peer-on-peer abuse as part of their wider safeguarding and child protection policy. The policy should make clear that abuse by peers will not be minimised or passed off as 'banter', and should set out how the school will respond to concerns and allegations.

What should happen when a child shares an intimate image of another child?

Sharing intimate images of a person under 18 is a criminal offence under the Protection of Children Act 1978. Schools should not view or share the image themselves, should advise the young people involved not to share it further, and should refer to the DSL immediately. Police involvement should be considered. The IWF provides a service to support the removal of such images online.

Online & Offline

Peer-on-Peer Abuse

Understanding abuse carried out by children against other children — including bullying, sexual harassment, violence, and sexting — and schools' duties under KCSIE.

Ages 8-10 Ages 11-13 Ages 14-16 Ages 17-plus

What is this?

Peer-on-peer abuse refers to harmful behaviour by children directed at other children. It includes bullying, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexting (sharing intimate images), and coercive or controlling behaviour in peer relationships. Under Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) Part 5, schools have clear duties to create environments where peer abuse is not tolerated and to respond effectively when it occurs.

How it works

Peer-on-peer abuse can occur in person and online. It includes a wide spectrum of behaviour, from name-calling and social exclusion to serious sexual assault. KCSIE requires schools to have clear policies on peer-on-peer abuse and to ensure that staff understand it can and does happen. Children who display harmful behaviour may themselves have been harmed, and responses should consider the needs of both victim and perpetrator.

Warning signs

In your child's behaviour

On their device

• Receiving a high volume of messages from peers followed by visible distress
• Being tagged in posts or images in ways that appear embarrassing or unwanted
• Secretive use of a phone or device, particularly after school or at night

Prevention steps

Implement a robust anti-bullying and peer abuse policy

KCSIE requires schools to have policies that explicitly address peer-on-peer abuse. Policies should cover online and offline behaviour, include clear reporting mechanisms, and be reviewed regularly.

Provide ongoing PSHE education on healthy relationships

Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) should include age-appropriate content on consent, boundaries, and what healthy peer relationships look like. Children need the language and confidence to identify and report abuse.

Train all staff to respond to disclosures appropriately

Staff should know how to receive a disclosure without minimising the concern or treating it as 'normal' behaviour. KCSIE is clear that peer-on-peer abuse must be taken as seriously as abuse by adults.

What to do if it happens

1Listen to the child without judgement and reassure them that you believe them and that it is not their fault. Record what they say using their own words where possible.
2Report to your DSL immediately. Peer-on-peer abuse involving sexual violence or sharing of intimate images may require a police referral and should be treated as a child protection matter.
3Consider the needs of both the child who has been harmed and the child who has caused harm. Both may require support, and the response should be proportionate, child-focused, and trauma-informed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Safety Topic

Cyberbullying

Audience

Guidance for Teachers

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Last reviewed: 2026-04-10

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