BULLYING : Some questions and answers

What is bullying?

Bullying is the systematic abuse of power, causing physical or psychological hurt to the victim. The hurt is unprovoked and repeated. For example, a pupil is systematically excluded from activities by others, is called unpleasant names, or is hit.

This sort of problem exists in all countries, but may be described using a variety of words. The word “bullying” may not have an exact equivalent in other languages, but the behaviour exists nevertheless.

Is bullying widespread in our School?

A survey of Primary and Secondary pupils, carried out some years ago, showed that the great majority of pupils experience virtually no aggression, but some pupils do.

What action is taken?

• Much of our approach is proactive - aiming to prevent problems developing by raising awareness and suggesting strategies which promote a positive, supportive environment.
• When bullying is suspected our advice is as follows:

Advice to Non-teaching and Teaching Staff

• watch for signs of distress especially in new pupils
• be vigilant when walking around the School
• be aware of trouble spots
• intervene when in doubt
• if you suspect bullying is going on follow the procedure below.

Advice to Parents

• watch for signs of distress especially in your child e.g. irrational and changeable behaviour, reluctance to go to school, change in appetite and/or sleeping habits, frequently feels unwell, torn, damaged or missing clothing or belongings.
• discuss your concerns with your child remembering you don’t have to have immediate answers.
• -if you suspect bullying is going on discuss it with the class teacher and/or a Counsellor in the first instance.

Advice to pupils

• remember that what one pupil sees as fun may be hurtful to another
• ask yourself, “Would I like to be treated that way?”
• don’t stand by when bullying occurs.
• talk on behalf of the victim who may be too scared to speak effectively and/or report the incident to a teacher
• if you feel you are being bullied:-
• don’t bottle it up: talk to someone you can trust - parent, teacher, friend, counsellor.
• remember it is not your fault if you are being bullied.

Procedure followed by the School when bullying is reported or suspected

- Class Teacher/Counsellor or Deputy Head investigates by talking with:

•  the victim
•  the bully
•  other pupils if appropriate

Class Teacher/Counsellor reports to the bully’s Class Teacher/Counsellor who investigates further.

• Appropriate steps to be taken by the Class Teachers/Counsellors
• Form completed.
• Class Teachers/Counsellors to inform other teachers as they see fit
• Class Teachers/Counsellors/Deputy Head may contact the parents.
• Follow-up check.
• Record to be kept by Counsellors/Deputy Head for a maximum of two years