Start by listening
Let your child tell you what happened in their own words and at their own pace. Stay calm, thank them for telling you and avoid promising to keep it secret, because you may need to involve the school.
Try not to jump to solutions in the first conversation. Being listened to and taken seriously is a useful first step.
Keep a simple record
Write down dates, places, what happened and who may have seen it. Save relevant messages or screenshots without sharing them publicly. Do not ask your child to keep engaging with upsetting messages to gather more evidence.
Contact the school
Use the school's pastoral or safeguarding route. Share the facts you have, ask what will happen next and agree how the school will keep you updated.
Northern Ireland schools work within the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016. Schools in the Republic of Ireland use the current Bí Cineálta procedures. The school's own policy should explain its reporting and follow-up route.
If it does not stop
Ask the school to review what has happened since the first report and what further steps are available under its policy. Keep the conversation focused on safety, clear records and agreed follow-up.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or 112. The confidential services above can also help a young person talk things through.
Work in a school? HIP Psychology delivers anti-bullying workshops for pupils and staff. See how workshops work.