A child becomes criminally responsible at the age of ten. If a child is hurt in school by a bully hitting or throwing something at them, then the bully has probably committed an assault.

If a bully is ten years or older, they can be prosecuted for common assault, actual bodily harm (ABH) or grievous bodily harm (GBH), depending on the harm inflicted. A bully can also be prosecuted for making someone fear that they are about to be assaulted.

Age of criminal responsibility A child under ten is deemed to be below the age of criminal responsibility and so cannot be prosecuted. However, a child safety order (CSO) can be made for children under the age of ten. This will place the child under the supervision of a responsible officer who is likely to be a social worker.

The order is an early intervention measure designed to prevent children becoming involved in anti-social behaviour. The order will normally be for a duration of up to three months, but in exceptional circumstances the order could last for up to twelve months.