A total of 2,160 parents took the survey and 87% of them said their child had been bullied in the last 12 months and 77% reported their child was bullied more than five times.

Each victim was subject to an average of four different types of bullying and most name calling related to physical appearance.

More than 71% of parents said their child had been physically hurt by a bully and 30% of those needed to see a doctor. Parents said that more than 40% of racist bullying involved violent attacks.

More than 26% of parents said their bullied children had special needs and of those, 51% were statemented or receiving extra help.

A total of 60% said their children had taken time off school due to bullying. 65% of parents had kept their child at home for safety reasons and 63% of those children had missed more than five days at school.

72% of parents were unaware that they could be prosecuted for keeping their child at home as an unauthorised absence.

Were complaints taken seriously?

Only 56% of parents who complained to the school felt their concerns were taken seriously and 74% of parents felt that measures taken by the school didn't work with 83% saying there were further instances of bullying after a complaint.

33% of parents whose child had been bullied were worried their child might be suicidal and 32% sought help from a doctor or health visitor with 84% finding the doctor helpful.

Just 17% of parents had tried to get a copy of their child's school record but 48% of those parents had difficulty.

More than 26% of parents didn't know if their child's school had an anti-bullying policy.

Other pages in this sectionBullying policies / Role of the DCSF / Is my child being bullied? / School bus bullies
Mobile phone problems / Practical help with racism / Dealing with racism / Internet scams
How does bullying make a child feel? / Dealing with a younger bully / Adults' survey results / Teachers' survey results
Contacting the school / Access to pupil records / Happy slapping / Internet abuse
Contacting the Governors and LEAa / Internet safety advice for parents / Is my child a bully? / Who can help on racism
Parents' problem page / If your child is bullying others / Do you share blame? / Dealing with an older bully
Teacher bullying / Home schooling / Bullying in sport / Parents' panel - Have your say
Parents' survey results / Moving your child to a new school / Pupils' survey results / Taking legal action
Bullying outside school / Independent and private schools / Model letters to help your complaint / National Bullying Survey 2006
Cyber bullying introduction / Dangerous websites