What to do if the school's anti-bullying policy doesn't work

The short answer

When the school's anti-bullying policy fails, you have several options. Start by involving the confidential advisor at school. If this doesn't help, you can file a formal complaint with the school's complaints committee. In serious situations or when the school is structurally failing, you can contact the education inspectorate. Carefully document all incidents and conversations to provide a strong basis for your complaint.

What does the law say?

The Primary Education Act and the Secondary Education Act require schools to ensure a safe educational environment. Every school must have a complaints procedure and establish an independent complaints committee. The education inspectorate oversees the quality of education, including social safety. Schools must demonstrably take measures against bullying and other forms of violence.

What should you pay attention to?

Document all bullying incidents with date, time, location and those involved. Keep all correspondence with the school and take notes of conversations. Note that complaints often have to be filed within a certain time frame (often one year). Make sure you first follow the school's internal procedures before taking external steps.

Example from practice

Sanne is bullied for months by classmates, but the school takes no effective measures despite repeated discussions. Her parents first involve the confidential advisor, but this also yields no results. They then file a formal complaint with the complaints committee with all documented incidents. The committee rules that the school has fallen short and recommends specific measures. When the school fails to implement these, the parents report it to the education inspectorate.

What can you do?

Follow these steps systematically.