Behaviour Policy: Anti-Bullying

What is bullying?

“Bullying is the wilful, conscious desire to hurt or threaten someone else”

• There are different types of bullying:

Psychological (being excluded from groups and rumours)

Cyber (abusive text messages, internet messages)

Verbal (threats, name calling and racism)

Physical (punching and kicking)

• Any behaviour that is a deliberate regular attempt to harm, threaten or upset another is bullying.

What is being done?

• The issue of bullying will be included in lessons and class work e.g. Drama, English
• Bullying will be addressed during form time and PSHE
• Staff will supervise main “hang out” areas for students during break and lunchtime
• The Student Council often discuss new ways to prevent bullying
• The Sixth Form ABC (Anti-Bullying Committee) look to ‘hear’ the cases of individuals accused of bullying

Who to go to for help:

• Year 7: email your Listener
• Year 7-Year 11: contact your Director of Learning or Student Support Officer
• Year 12/13: contact the Director of Sixth Form or Deputy Director of Sixth Form
• Any other member of staff that the student trusts

What will happen if bullying is reported?

• The victims will be talked to along with other witnesses
• The accused “Bully” will be talked to, to get their version of events
• Everything said will be kept confidential, where possible
• Other staff, students and parents will be involved, where needed
• Parents/carers will be kept fully aware
• A record will be placed in all the involved students’ files
• All students will be made aware that such behaviour will not be tolerated
• Bullies will receive sanctions according to the school’s Behaviour Policy and may be put forward to the Sixth Form anti-bullying committee

 

Links

The websites listed below offer direct links to other sources of information for parents and young people.

Stonewall: www.stonewall.org.uk

Useful information and links on LGBTQ issues.

Advisory Centre for Education: www.ace-ed.org.uk
Registered charity independent of central or local government giving free advice and support to parents of children in state schools.

Anti-Bullying Network: www.antibullying.net
Established by the Scottish Executive. Useful links and reviews for teachers, parents and students on bullying and related issues.

BBC Schools: www.bbc.co.uk/schools
Includes information about bullying.

Bully OnLine: www.bullyonline.org
Information on bullying for teachers, children and schools which details the legal procedures available. This site also lists support groups for teachers.

Bullying Online: www.bullying.co.uk
Useful information and links on bullying and related issues for parents, children and teachers.

ChildLine: www.childline.org.uk
Primarily a helpline for children but has useful information and links on bullying. Chips (Childline in Partnership with Schools) encourages schools to support students in setting up anti-bullying projects.

The Children’s Society: www-the-childrens-society.org.uk
‘Bullying! Information for parents on how to help your child’ – leaflet giving information and practical guidance.

Kidscape: www.kidscape.org.uk
Advice for children, parents and teachers as well as training and sample policies.

Schools Out!: www.schools-out.org.uk
Campaigns for better support networks for gay and lesbian students and clearer guidance for teachers on issues of sexuality.

Topmarks: www.topmarks.co.uk
Aims to provide easy access to the best educational websites including information on bullying for teachers, parents and young people.