We take any incidents or allegations of bullying very seriously. We make it absolutely clear that we will not tolerate bullying in any of our schools, whether physical or verbal.
All schools are required to have in place a policy on bullying, usually integrated into their whole-school policy on behaviour. Similarly, the issues underlying bullying, such as pupil self-esteem, relationships, conflict and assertiveness, are addressed within our policies and curriculum advice and in PSHE and Citizenship work undertaken in schools.
What is bullying?
Bullying can mean many different things. These are some ways children and young people have described bullying:
- being called names
- being teased
- being pushed or pulled about
- being hit or attacked
- having your bag and other possessions taken and thrown around
- having rumours spread about you
- being ignored and left out
- being forced to hand over money or possessions
- being attacked because of your religion or colour
What is cyber bullying?
Cyber bullying is when a person, or a group of people, uses the internet, mobile phones or other digital technologies to threaten, tease or abuse someone.
How to stop bullying
Independent charity Childline offers children and young people the following advice:
If you are being bullied you can do something about it.
- Tell, tell, tell
- Practice what you want to say.
- Keep a note or diary of what is happening.
- Don't give up.
- Ask your parents to visit your school
- Talk over what to do with a friend, a teacher, your mum or dad or someone you trust.
- Remember that teachers have to listen carefully when a child tells them about being bullied.
There is a lot of advice and information available online.
The School Attendance Service supports pupils who may be experiencing relationship problems in school, particularly in connection with bullying.
