Levels of Bullying Measured by British Schools Using the ‘Life in School’ Checklist: A Case for Benchmarking?

This paper considers data obtained in thirty‐one schools by using the ‘Life in School’ checklist. It discusses the issues arising from using the Bullying Index as a measurement of bullying. These include the extent of the variation found between schools and the much‐reduced range found on follow‐up in the same school. The possible use of the checklist for benchmarking within groups of similar schools is discussed as well as its prime use: self‐monitoring by schools over successive years of the effectiveness of anti‐bullying policies. Criteria for success are suggested, which emphasize a focus on groups within the school as a prime target for intervention.