Bullying of new students is repeated harm toward a student who has just joined a school, because they are unfamiliar, have no established friends, or do not yet know routines. It can include being left out at lunch, teased about where they came from, given false directions, or targeted in class or online. The first weeks at a new school should be a time of welcome, not a test of whether a student can survive alone.
What Bullying of New Students Looks Like
It may appear as a new student who always eats alone, is never chosen for group work, or is told jokes that leave them confused. It can include teasing about a previous school, accent, or clothing, or being sent to the wrong room as a prank. Sometimes it is quieter: students turn away, save seats, or form groups that leave the new student out. Because a new student may not know whom to tell, the pattern can continue unnoticed.
Why New Students Are Vulnerable
A new student has no trusted friends, no knowledge of school routines, and may worry about standing out by reporting. They may not know teacher names, lunch routines, or safe places to go. A welcome routine, a buddy, and a clear introduction to school rules can reduce that vulnerability and help the student find help quickly if harm occurs.
Signs to Watch For
Signs include a new student who eats alone every day, avoids the lunchroom or playground, or seems lost or anxious about routines. They may ask to stay home, lose interest in school, or report being left out or teased. Teachers may notice a student who is never included in group work, or who sits apart in every class. Parents may hear their child say they have no friends at the new school.
What a Student Can Do
A new student can ask a teacher or counselor for a buddy, a tour, or help joining a lunch group or club. Tell a trusted adult if teasing or exclusion repeats, and share names, places, and timing if you can. Do not try to win acceptance by going along with teasing others. If the pattern continues, keep telling an adult until seating, groups, or supervision change.
How Teachers Can Help
Teachers can welcome a new student by name, assign a buddy, explain routines clearly, and include the student in group work from the first day. When bullying of a new student is reported, listen privately, share it through the school’s usual route, and follow your school and district policy. Check in regularly during the first weeks, and review lunch seating, group work, and playground supervision where exclusion occurs.
How Parents Can Help
Parents can ask about lunch, friends, and routines, help their child practice introductions, and contact the school through its usual route if exclusion or teasing continues. Ask the school about a buddy plan, a club, or a lunch group. Keep the focus on welcome and belonging, and let your child know that asking for help is a strength, not a failure.
Try a Classroom Exercise
Use the Exercise Finder for welcome, inclusion, and empathy activities, and follow the Start Here plan. Practicing introductions and inclusive group work helps every student welcome a new classmate.
Related Types of Bullying
New students often face exclusion in shared spaces. See Social Exclusion and Lunchroom Bullying, and return to the Types of Bullying hub for the full list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bullying of New Students
How long should a welcome plan last?
At least the first few weeks, with regular check-ins. Some students need longer, especially if they join mid-year or after a move.
What makes a good buddy plan?
A buddy who shows routines, sits with the new student at lunch, and introduces them to classmates, with teacher check-ins to make sure the plan is working.
Is it bullying if a new student is simply not invited?
One missed invitation is not bullying. Repeated, deliberate exclusion aimed at one student, especially when combined with teasing, is a pattern to address.
How can parents help a new student make friends?
Encourage a club, lunch group, or activity, practice introductions at home, and contact the school if your child remains alone after several weeks.
Want Help With This at Your School?
Want help with this at your school? Call 1-866-333-4553 or visit Start Here to begin the Safe School Program plan.
