Rationale
We believe that all pupils have the right to learn in a safe, caring environment without the fear of being bullied. Whilst recognizing that all institutions, whether large or small, have the potential for some bullying behavior, we feel that a clearly laid down system for discipline can minimize its occurrence. At Solitaire Global Schools we endeavour to promote good citizenship and make it clear that bullying is anti-social and contrary to our ethos. It is wrong and will not be tolerated. We feel that it is important for pupils and parents / guardians to know that any bullying complaints will be dealt with firmly, fairly and promptly.
Introduction
Bullying affects everyone, not just the bullies and the victims. It also affects those children who watch and less aggressive pupils may be drawn in by group pressure. Bullying rarely sorts itself out. It is clear that jokes, insults, written abuse, violence and threatening or intimidating behaviour are found in our society but we believe that no one person or group should have to accept this type of behaviour.
What is Bullying
Bullying can occur through several types of anti-social behaviour:
- Physical – a child may be physically punched, kicked, hit spat at etc.
- Verbal – verbal abuse can take the form of name-calling. It may be directed towards gender, ethnic origin, physical or social disability or personality.
- Exclusion – a child may be bullied simply by being excluded from, or left out of discussions / activities by those they believe to be their friends.
- Damage to property or theft – pupils may have their property damaged or stolen. The bully may use physical threats in order that property is handed over to him or her.
- Cyber bullying – All areas of internet, such as email and internet chat Twitter, Facebook misuse.
Bullying is not the same as falling out with your friend or friends.
Objectives of this policy
All teaching and non-teaching staff, pupils and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is and when it should be reported
- All pupils and their parents should know what the school policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying happens
- As a school we take bullying seriously. Pupils and parents should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported
- All stakeholders should understand that bullying will not be tolerated
Procedures
- Report all bullying incidents to staff or the school counsellor
- In cases of bullying the incidents will be recorded by staff
- Parents will be informed and asked to attend a meeting to discuss the problem
- The bullying behaviour, or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly.
- An attempt will be made to support the bully (bullies) to change their behaviour
Outcomes
- The bully (bullies) may be asked to genuinely apologise
- Suspension or exclusion will be considered in serious cases
- If possible, the pupils will be reconciled
- Following the incident and subsequent handling of it, each case will be monitored to ensure there is no repetition
When Bullying is Suspected
If bullying is suspected or reported we will talk to the suspected victim, the suspected bully and any witnesses. If any degree of bullying is identified the following action will be taken:
- Help, support and counselling will be given to both the victim and the bully as appropriate.
- The victim will be offered an opportunity to talk about the experience with a trusted adult as soon as is possible.
- Parents / guardians will be informed.
- Continuing support will be offered should he / she feel it is needed.
We also discipline yet try to help the bully in the following ways:
- By talking about what happened, to discover why they became involved.
- Informing the bully’s parent / guardian.
- By continuing to work with the bully in order to do away with prejudiced attitudes as far as possible.
- By taking disciplinary steps to prevent more bullying.
Disciplinary Steps
The school will take the following disciplinary steps:
- They will be warned officially to stop the bullying.
- Name-calling / physical abuse carry fixed warnings.
- Informing the bully’s parents / guardians.
- Arrangements made for the bully to be escorted to and from school premises.
- If bullying continues a suspension / fixed term exclusion will result.
- Continued bullying behaviour will result in a longer (possibly permanent) exclusion.