People are bullying me on the school bus

Dear Liz,
There's a lot of fighting on my school bus and there's an older boy who keeps calling me names and having a go at me. My mum says she can't keep leaving work early to pick me up but I'm afraid what might happen. I live quite a way from the bus stop and I keep thinking the bullies can get me on the way home too.
Andrew

Hello Andrew,
Schools can take action over bullying on the school bus. Your parents need to write to the head teacher about this problem.

In 2004 the government said that schools could take action on the journey to and from school so your parents could mention this link to the school if they are not aware of it Here

Try to sit near the driver or near other passengers if this is an ordinary bus. If this is a school bus provided by the council then your parents could make a complaint to the transport division and ask if the bully could have his pass withdrawn for a short time until he gets the message.

Your parents could also speak to the bus firm because if there's trouble and bad behaviour on the bus then the bus firm might be pleased to have an excuse to complain to the school. That would mean nobody would know you complained and a general telling off might curb the bully.

Look after your personal safety when you get off the bus. If it's dark then stick to well lit areas. Your parents could ask the police where they could get a personal attack alarm if that would make you feel safer. If you feel unsafe then go to a shop and ask them if you can wait there while you phone your parents to collect you.

If the worst happens and you are assaulted by one of the bullies then tell your parents who should report it to the police. Many offices, shops and streets are covered by CCTV so the bullies could be caught on film.
Liz

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