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Bullying at school

You will know the signs, what the school must do, how to escalate and when changing school is sensible.

This section helps you if your child is being bullied at a school in Spain, or if you are not sure yet. It covers how to recognise bullying, how to report it to the school, what to do when the school does not act, how phones and online bullying fit in, and how to decide whether to change school.

5 articlesAbout 38 min of readingSchool systems and enrollment

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Pick the article that fits your situation

  1. Recognising bullying (acoso escolar) and what the school must do

    Explains how to tell acoso escolar from an ordinary row between pupils, which signs to watch for in your child, and what a Spanish school must do once you tell it. For parents of children in Spanish schools.

    6 min read

  2. Reporting bullying: tutor, head teacher and the school protocol

    How to raise a bullying concern with a Spanish school: who to tell first, why the written report to the director is what counts, and what to expect afterwards. For parents of a child who may be bullied.

    9 min read

  3. When the school does not act: inspection, complaints and legal routes

    What to do when your child's school does not deal with bullying: when to call emergency services, how to go to the education inspection, an ombudsman or the prosecutor, and what to have ready. For parents in Spain.

    8 min read

  4. Cyberbullying and phone rules in Spanish schools

    Explains how Spanish schools limit phones, how online harassment between pupils is handled under the school's anti-bullying protocol, and where to report abusive online content. For parents of children in Spanish schools.

    5 min read

  5. Changing schools because of bullying

    Helps you decide whether your child should change school after bullying or stay and push the school's protocol, and whether a fast safeguarding transfer is possible. It is for parents of pupils in public and publicly funded schools in Spain.

    6 min read

About this topic

It is written for people who are thinking about moving to Spain, planning a move or already living there. It does not give legal advice. It also does not cover how your child settles in emotionally or makes friends at school.

Start with "Recognising bullying (acoso escolar) and what the school must do". It shows you the signs and what the school has to do, so you know what to ask for. Then move to the next pages in this order: reporting to the school, escalating when the school does not act, cyberbullying and phone rules, and changing schools.

Key rules

  • National helpline: The national bullying helpline is 900 018 018, free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
  • Emergencies: Call 112 when a child is in imminent danger, being physically attacked, at risk of self-harm or needs urgent medical help, and do not wait for school procedures.
  • Written report: Put your report in writing, address it to the director, and get a copy stamped with the date at the school's registry.
  • Criminal age: Criminal responsibility starts at 14; pupils aged 14 to 17 face juvenile proceedings with educational measures, and under 14 there is no criminal liability.
  • Definition: Bullying needs intent, repetition, a power imbalance and duration; a one-off row between equals is ordinary conflict.
  • School duty: Every school must have an anti-bullying protocol and a named coordinador de bienestar y protección.

Bullying at school: the whole process, step by step

From first concern to follow-up

  • Learn the protocol of your region and, if a child is in danger, call 112 (Recognising bullying and what the school must do): Before you report, or straight away if there is imminent danger

  • Report in writing to the director and keep a date-stamped copy from the school's registry (Reporting bullying: tutor, head teacher and the school protocol): As soon as you suspect bullying

  • The school makes an initial assessment and decides whether to open the protocol: Usually within a few school days of your report

  • Protective measures for the victim are put in place: Immediately

  • You are informed and heard, and the school investigates with interviews and a written report: Within the days or weeks set by your region's protocol

  • You receive the conclusions, normally in writing, and the school follows up on the measures: After the investigation ends

  • If the school does not act or you disagree, go to the inspección educativa (When the school does not act: inspection, complaints and legal routes): When the school fails to respond or you disagree with the outcome

  • If you decide to move your child, ask for an exceptional mid-year place (Changing schools because of bullying): Usually days to a few weeks once the situation is confirmed

Deadlines differ by region, so check the exact number of days in your region's protocol.

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

Payments and receipts

Other documents

Bullying at school: questions that cross several articles

Where do I find my region's anti-bullying protocol?

You can find your region's anti-bullying protocol on the education department website of your autonomous community. Search for "protocolo acoso escolar" or "convivencia", or ask the tutor or school secretary. Official names differ by region. Read Reporting bullying: tutor, head teacher and the school protocol for how to use it.

Who has to open the bullying protocol at the school?

In most regions the school director opens the protocol, after an initial assessment by the jefatura de estudios (head of studies), tutor and counsellor. Schools must also have a welfare and protection coordinator who helps manage the case. See Recognising bullying and what the school must do and Reporting bullying: tutor, head teacher and the school protocol.

Do I have to go to the tutor first, or can I go straight to the director?

You can go straight to the director or the welfare coordinator, especially in serious cases. The usual advice is to start with the tutor and move up if nothing happens. If the school still does not act, read When the school does not act: inspection, complaints and legal routes.

What rights do I have once the protocol is open?

You have the right to be told the protocol is open, to be heard, and to learn which protective measures are used. You also get the conclusions, normally in writing. The family of the other pupil is heard too, so details of their sanctions may be limited. If you disagree, see When the school does not act: inspection, complaints and legal routes.

How fast can my child change school after bullying?

A bullying-related transfer is usually processed within days to a few weeks once the situation is confirmed. Delays come from waiting for the inspection report and finding a school with vacancies. Read Changing schools because of bullying for the steps.

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