"Don't exclude bullied children"

Children who are the victims of bullying are being excluded from school on health and safety grounds, MPs have discovered.

The Education and Skills Select Committee of MPs has called on the government to tell schools must be told not to tackle bullying by keeping the victims away from school. It also wants more guidance to schools on tackling different forms of bullying such as excluding children from friendship groups, spreading rumours and using homophobic language.

MPs on the Education Select Committee say bullying should not be tolerated in school or outside. “The idea that bullying is in some way character building, and simply part of childhood is wrong and should be challenged.” they say. But they agree bullying is influenced by wider attitudes and behaviour in society.

Read the report.