Anti Bullying
At St. Anne’s we believe that bullying can be any behaviour that damages a child’s self-esteem or sense of well being, or causes them physical harm. This would normally be over a period of time. However, an individual incident may also warrant investigation under this policy. A bully could be any adult or child within the school community, including governors, staff, pupils, parents or visitors.
Please visit our School's Policy page to see the latest version of our Anti-Bullying Policy.
What is Bullying?
Bullying can be defined as ‘behaviour by an individual or a group, repeated over time that intentionally hurts another individual either physically or emotionally’. DfE ‘Preventing and Tackling Bullying
Bullying can include physical and emotional abuse such as name calling, taunting, mocking, making offensive comments, kicking, hitting, taking belongings, producing offensive graffiti, gossiping, peer isolation (e.g. excluding people from groups) and spreading hurtful and untruthful rumours.
We recognise that even if there are no reports of bullying, it does not mean it is not happening and it may be the case that it is just not being reported. All victims will be taken seriously and offered appropriate support, regardless of where the abuse takes place.
Bullying can be:
· Emotional being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding books, threatening gestures)
· Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
· Racist racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
· Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
· Homophobic or Transphobic because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality
· Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing
Cyber All areas of internet ,such as email & internet chat room misuse
Mobile threats by text messaging and calls
Misuse of associated technology i.e. camera and video facilities
Spot the Signs
It can be every parent’s dread if they suspect their child is experiencing bullying. If your child has not opened up to you about this, but you have a gut feeling, you may be on the lookout for signs that your child is being bullied.
Key Points
- If you notice that your child is feeing withdrawn, isolated or other emotions that are not usual of your child, try to talk to them to find out what is going on for them.
- Your child may be feeling very anxious about going to school or the teacher may be in touch with you that their schoolwork has changed, and this may be a potential sign of bullying.
- It may not be bullying and there may be other changes that your child is struggling with so avoid coming to conclusions but investigate why they are feeling they way they are.
Emotional Signs of Bullying
- Isolating themselves and not talking to the family
- Feeling withdrawn and spending more time alone
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in behaviour such as feeling more angrier than usual
- Avoiding social media
- Not seeing their friends after school or at weekends
- Anxiety and nervousness that wasn’t displayed previously
Physical Signs of Bullying
- Bruises, cuts and marks that cannot be explained
- Issues with their sleep
- Complaining of headaches or stomach aches
- Bedwetting
Changes at School
- Suddenly doing less well at school
- Anxious about going to school and saying they are feeling unwell more than usual
- Items that are stolen that cannot be easily explained
- Missing money that could have been stolen
- Damaged possessions such as bags, uniforms, etc.
- Not taking part in after school clubs
There could be other reasons for these signs, so try to avoid jumping to conclusions and ask yourself the following questions. Is there anything else bothering my child? Have there been changes at home like a new baby, or divorce or separation?
If there has not been any other changes and you suspect bullying may be the cause of the distress and anxiety, it is important to try and act as early as you can.
Preventing Bullying: Environment
The whole school community will:
· Create and support an inclusive environment which promotes a culture of mutual respect, consideration and care for others, which will be upheld by all.
· Recognise that bullying can be perpetrated or experienced by any member of the community, including adults and children (child on child abuse).
· Recognise the potential for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to be disproportionally impacted by bullying and will implement additional pastoral support as required.
· Recognise that bullying may be affected and influenced by gender, age, ability and culture of those involved.
· Openly discuss differences between people that could motivate bullying, such as: children with different family situations, such as looked after children or those with caring responsibilities, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexuality or appearance related difference.
· Challenge practice and language (including ‘banter’) which does not uphold the school values of tolerance, non-discrimination and respect towards others.
· Be encouraged to use technology, especially mobile phones and social media, positively and responsibly.
· Work with staff, the wider community and outside agencies to prevent and tackle concerns including all forms of prejudice-based and discriminatory bullying.
· Actively create “safe spaces” for vulnerable children and young people.
· Celebrate success and achievements to promote and build a positive school ethos.
Policy and Support
The whole school community will:
· Provide a range of approaches for pupils, staff and parents/carers to access support and report concerns.
· Regularly update and evaluate our practice to consider the developments of technology and provide up-to-date advice and education to all members of the community regarding positive online behaviour.
· Take appropriate, proportionate and reasonable action, in line with existing school policies, for any bullying bought to the schools’ attention, which involves or effects pupils, even when they are not on school premises; for example, when using school transport or online, etc.
· Implement appropriate disciplinary sanctions; the consequences of bullying will reflect the seriousness of the incident, so that others see that bullying is unacceptable.
· Use a variety of techniques to resolve the issues between those who bully, and those who have been bullied.
Education and Training
The school community will:
· Train all staff, including teaching staff, support staff (e.g. administration staff, lunchtime support staff and site support staff) and pastoral staff, to identify all forms of bullying and take appropriate action, following the school’s policy and procedures, including recording and reporting incidents.
· Consider a range of opportunities and approaches for addressing bullying throughout the curriculum and other activities, such as: through displays, assemblies, peer support, the school/student council, etc.
· Collaborate with other local educational settings as appropriate, and during key times of the year, for example during transition.
· Ensure anti-bullying has a high profile throughout the year, reinforced through key opportunities such as anti-bullying week
· Provide systematic opportunities to develop pupils’ social and emotional skills, including building self-esteem.
Responding to Bullying Concerns
· If bullying is suspected or reported, the incident will be dealt with immediately by the member of staff who has been approached or witnessed the concern.
· The school will provide appropriate support for the person being bullied – making sure they are not at risk of immediate harm and will involve them in any decision-making, as appropriate.
· The DSL will be informed of all bullying concerns, especially where there may be safeguarding issues.
· The headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or another appropriate member of leadership staff will interview all parties involved.
· A clear and precise account of bullying incidents will be recorded by the school in accordance with existing procedures. This will include recording appropriate details regarding decisions and action taken.
· The school will speak with and inform other staff members, where appropriate.
· The school will ensure parents/carers are kept informed about the concern and action taken, as appropriate and in line with child protection and confidentially policies.
· Appropriate sanctions and support, for example as identified within the school behaviour policy and child protection policy, will be implemented in consultation with all parties concerned.
· If necessary, other agencies may be consulted or involved, for example the police if a criminal offence has been committed, or MASH Early Help if a child is felt to be at risk of significant harm.
· Where the bullying of or by pupils takes place off school site or outside of normal school hours (including cyberbullying), the school will ensure that the concern is fully investigated and responded to in line with this policy, our Online Safety Policy and the school behaviour policy. If required, the DSL will collaborate with DSLs at other settings.
BBC Teach School Radio: Anti-Bullying Week - 'David and Goliath'
This assembly explores making friends, as well as how to deal with falling out with a friend and how to deal with bullying. In the UK, Anti-Bullying Week is held in the second week of November. The week is organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. The alliance also names one Friday in November as 'Wear Blue Day' and encourages school staff, parents and children to wear blue, to signal their support for anyone who is feeling bullied.
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BBC School Radio - Anti-Bullying Week - 'David and Goliath' |