Tusla guidance summary for anti-bullying planning
A practical signposting page for schools considering when bullying behaviour may overlap with child protection, safeguarding or Children First responsibilities.
Tusla role and Children First context
Tusla is the official child and family agency in Ireland. Schools should use official Children First guidance when a bullying concern may become a child protection concern.
This page is included because anti-bullying planning sometimes overlaps with safeguarding, especially where there are threats, coercion, image sharing, serious emotional harm or concerns about a child outside school.
When to escalate
Escalation depends on the nature, severity and risk around the behaviour. School staff should follow safeguarding procedures and use official guidance rather than relying on campaign resources alone.
A practical school process should help staff recognise when a concern remains a pastoral matter, when senior oversight is needed and when the designated liaison person or child protection procedures should be involved.
How this fits Anti-Bullying Week
Anti-Bullying Week resources can reinforce help-seeking and reporting, but safeguarding decisions must follow the school's established procedures.
For pupil-facing activity, keep the focus on trusted adults, early help and safe reporting. For staff, use the week as a prompt to check whether anti-bullying, online safety and safeguarding routes are clearly understood.
Staff sessions from HIP Psychology can help teams practise the conversations this guidance expects.