Bullying (mobbning) is defined as repeated degrading treatment of a pupil.
Under the Education Act and the Discrimination Act, the school is obliged to
investigate and take action against all forms of degrading treatment.
The school's obligations
Every school must have a plan against degrading treatment. Staff who discover degrading
treatment are obliged to report to the principal, who must investigate and take measures.
The Child and School Student Representative (BEO) can represent affected pupils and claim
damages from the school provider if the school has failed to act.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as bullying in school?
Bullying is usually described as repeated degrading treatment, but the school must act even on a single incident. Degrading treatment (kränkande behandling) is when a child's or pupil's dignity is violated, without it having to relate to a discrimination ground.
What must the school do about bullying?
Staff must report suspected degrading treatment to the principal, the principal must pass the information on to the operator (huvudman), and the school must promptly investigate and take measures that stop the degrading treatment.
When can BEO help?
The Child and School Student Representative (Barn- och elevombudet) can investigate reports of degrading treatment and, in some cases, claim damages from the operator if the school has not met its obligations.
