Understanding abuse carried out by children against other children — including bullying, sexual harassment, violence, and sexting — and schools' duties under KCSIE.
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.
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
ตรวจสอบล่าสุด: 2026-04-10
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