Bullying is never acceptable. The University does not tolerate bullying in any form, whether it takes place on campus, online, in University accommodation or elsewhere.
Bullying can be hard to recognise unless you have experienced or witnessed it, so this guidance explains what it is and what you can do.
What is bullying?
Bullying is unwanted, offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, and an abuse or misuse of power. It is intended to, or has the effect of, undermining, humiliating, denigrating or injuring the person on the receiving end. It can make someone feel vulnerable, upset, humiliated, undermined, threatened or hurt.
Bullying can be a single serious incident or a pattern of behaviour over time. It can be physical, verbal or non-verbal, and it can happen in person or online, including on social media, in group chats and by email or text.
Power and bullying
Bullying involves an abuse or misuse of power, but power does not only mean holding a position of authority. It can also include physical or personal strength, social influence, or the ability to coerce someone through fear or intimidation. A bully can be a fellow student, a member of staff, a group or someone you do not know.
Examples of bullying
Bullying can include, but is not limited to:
- shouting at, ridiculing, demeaning or being persistently sarcastic towards someone
- physical or psychological threats
- overbearing or intimidating levels of supervision or control
- inappropriate or derogatory remarks about someone's work, abilities or performance
- abuse of authority or seniority, for example by a supervisor, tutor or team leader
- deliberately excluding someone from meetings, group work, social activities or communications without good reason
- spreading rumours, or posting or sharing demeaning comments, images or videos about someone
- repeated unwanted messages, calls or contact
Bullying, harassment and discrimination
Bullying is not a separate legal offence in the UK, but it can overlap with other behaviour that is. Bullying that is related to a protected characteristic (such as race, sex, disability or sexual orientation) may also be harassment or discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. Repeated unwanted behaviour may also amount to harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, and threats or physical violence can be criminal offences. Please see the University's guidance on Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment and Sexual Misconduct if this applies to you.
Bullying is not the same as reasonable feedback
Constructive criticism, fair academic or professional feedback, and legitimate management of conduct or performance are not bullying, provided they are carried out respectfully and reasonably. A disagreement or difference of opinion between students is not bullying either, although it can become bullying if it turns into repeated or intimidating behaviour.
If you are being bullied, or have seen it happen
If you are being bullied, you may feel upset, isolated or unsure what to do. Everyone reacts differently. What is happening is not your fault. You do not have to deal with it alone, and support is available whether or not you decide to make a formal complaint.