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A WHOLESCHOOL ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
Reviewed January 2009
Aims
In keeping with the vision of OakgroveCollege as a caring community where the dignity of each individual is recognised and respected, we aim to provide an atmosphere of tolerance and openness and an environment where all can feel safe to enjoy their work and learning.
Definition
Bullying is an act of aggression, causing embarrassment, pain or discomfort to someone. It can take a number of forms:
- Physical
- Verbal
- Making gestures
- Extortion
- Exclusion
It is an abuse of power. It can be planned and organised, or it may be unintentional. It may be perpetrated by individuals or by groups of pupils.
Cyber-bullying is the use of electronic information and communication devices such as e-mail, instant messaging, text messages, blogs, mobile phones, pagers, and defamatory websites to bully or otherwise harass an individual or group.
Preventative Strategies
(1) The anti-bullying ethos permeates the whole school community. It is highlighted and reinforced regularly through the PSE Programme, anti-bullying week, external speakers, assemblies and wall displays. Each teacher is involved, and students are encouraged to take responsibility for what happens in their school.
(2) The College promotes self-esteem in every student. Confident children are less likely to become involved in bullying.
(3) All pupils are equal and are aware that their problems and concerns are taken seriously.
(4) Bullying behaviour is not used by adults in the College to maintain discipline. Bullying by staff will lead to disciplinary action being taken.
(5) Teachers/supervisors on duty will intervene quickly and decisively in bullying situations.
(6) The school has invested in a mobile phone for a confidential bullying help-line.
(7) Many pupils have been involved with the unity team project which promotes the prevention of bullying behaviour through education, assertiveness and peer support.
PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH REPORTED INCIDENTS
(1) Any incident of bullying behaviour is reported to a Form Teacher of one of the parties involved, or an appropriate member of staff.
(2) The member of staff will interview and obtain a written account of the incident from the victim, the pupil demonstrating bullying behaviour and any witnesses. These interviews will be conducted separately.
(3) Resolution of the conflict is sought by using strategies considered appropriate to the situation, e.g. counselling. No matter what the outcome, all parties must be made clear as to the seriousness of bullying behaviour. If necessary, parents/guardians will be informed and their involvement requested.
(4) If a complaint is upheld, the pupil(s) that demonstrated the bullying behaviour will be encouraged to take responsibility for their actions. In accordance with the College Discipline Policy, sanctions will be employed after discussions with all parties.
(5) The parents/guardians of the students involved will be informed in writing of the outcome of the investigation and of any sanctions.
(6) If outside agencies are involved, the college will expect the full co-operation of parents/guardians.
(7) A copy of all written records of the incident will be retained in school files.
(8) The victim should feel secure that no further incidents will take place. If the parents/guardians of the victim are not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation or the action taken, they have the right to appeal to the Pastoral Care Sub-committee of the Board of Governors.
(9) Following serious incidents, staff will discreetly observe the students involved, and Form Teachers will regularly check how things are going, thus monitoring the situation and lessening the chance of a repeat incident. Feedback will be provided to all relevant staff.
Oakgrove Integrated College
Pupil Anti-bullying Policy
Oakgrove aims to provide an atmosphere of tolerance and openness. It should be an environment where all can feel safe to enjoy their work and learning.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is any behaviour that deliberately threatens, frightens or hurts another person. Bullying is not always physical.
Bullying can mean:
· Physically hurting (hitting, pushing, biting)
· Verbally abusing (spreading rumours, name calling, abusive phone calls and text messages)
· Threatening
· Gesturing
· Social exclusion
· Extortion (stealing money and items)
· Damaging or hiding belongings
· Cyber-bullying: This is the use of electronic information and communication devices such as e-mail, instant messaging, text messages, blogs, mobile phones, pagers, and defamatory websites to bully or otherwise harass an individual or group.
What to do if you, or a friend, are bullied
· Discreetly report the bullying to a member of staff (Form Teacher, Year Head, Subject Teacher, School Nurse)
· Tell a friend, student counsellor or prefect
· Tell your parents
· Use the school anti-bullying mobile to leave a message or text (confidential)
· If you find it difficult to talk about, write it down in a note, letter or diary. Then show it to someone who can help.
Always report bullying behaviour. Do not be tempted to reply to instances of cyber-bullying. This will make the situation worse and it will encourage more bullying behaviour. Never be tempted to hit back at a bully or you could end up getting in to trouble.
School Procedure
When bullying is reported:
1 A written account will be taken from the victim, the bully and any witnesses. These interviews are conducted separately.
2 Conflict may be resolved through counselling.
3 Parents/guardians may have to be informed.
4 If sanctions are employed, parents will be informed in writing.
5 Outside agencies may become involved.
6 A written record of the incident(s) is kept in school files.
Join one of the many extra-curricular clubs at the school. You will meet loads of new friends in other classes and year groups. These friends will then look out for you.
Useful Contacts
School Anti-Bullying Mobile Phone: (078)51378056
www.bullying.co.uk
www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov
www.dfes.gov.uk/bullying
http://www.kidscape.org.uk/childrenteens/cyberbullying.shtml
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