Why bullies win

Panorama: Why bullies win BBC One, Sunday, 10 April 2005 at 22:15 GMT

Panorama looks at the way we tackle bullying in schools - and asks why thousands of children are left with nowhere to turn.

Tackling bullying in schools is now a government priority. Millions of pounds are spent persuading victims that they shouldn't suffer in silence - and that their first response should be to tell someone.

But what happens if you tell someone, and no-one listens?

Click here to download or view a transcript of the programme

Panorama goes behind the headlines to find out what it's like for victims of bullying and their families whose schools have been unwilling or unable to stop bullying.

Telephone helplines Anti-Bullying Campaign: 020 7378 1446 Childline: 0800 11 11 Connexions: 08080 013219 Kidscape: 08451 205204 Local Government Ombudsman: 020 7217 4620 Parentline Plus: 08088 002222 Anti-Bullying Network: 0131 651 6100 Samaritans: 08457 909090 The Childrens Legal Centre: 08453 454345

Featuring the first full national television interview with the parents of Laura Rhodes, who took her own life last year, the programme explores the limited options open to parents and children who find themselves in this desperate situation.

One leading anti-bullying charity reveals the shocking statistic that in three quarters of cases they deal with, the school suggests that the problem actually lies with the victim.

Some suggest that teachers are no longer able to enforce the discipline necessary to tackle bullying - but others strongly believe that bullies themselves shouldn't be punished or blamed for their actions.

Natalie King has stopped going to school due to bullying

Amidst the confusion, bullying victims are now turning to the law for help. Panorama follows the case of Natalie King in Aberdeen, who is fighting a legal test case by suing her local council for negligence because she claims it failed to stop her bullies.

If you would like a copy of this programme to assist you in any anti-bullying education or support project, VHS video copies of this programme will be made available to schools and educational institutions at cost price. If you would like to request a copy please send an email to [e-mail], marking the subject "Why bullies win video", with your details and we will send you further details of how to obtain your copy.

Production team:
Reporter: Declan Lawn
Producer: Andrew Martin
Assistant Producers: Esella Hawkey, Homara Choudhary
Deputy Editors: Andrew Bell, Frank Simmonds
Editor: Mike Robinson