Newtownwhite N.S. (June 2010)
Anti-bullying.
* Introductory Statement.
A review of the current school policy on bullying was carried out by Patricia Quinn and June West at a School Development Planning course (summer 2004) This was reviewed again on 4/6/10 on a planning day with Catherine Canney, facilitator with PPDS.
* Rationale
We felt it was a priority to update our existing policy as it was due for review and it was felt we needed to bring it in line with our revised Code of Behaviour (June 2010)
* Relationship to Characteristic Spirit of the School.
Our school ethos promotes a stable and secure environment of mutual respect and co-operation. When investigating and dealing with bullying behaviour teachers will take a calm problem-solving approach. Teachers will set good role models – “Children will always find in the eyes of parents and teachers mirrors in which they will discover themselves as they are. We have a choice in what we reflect back.” (William Glasser from “Raising Self Reliant Children in a Self Indulgent world” by Stephen Glenn and Jane Nelson.)
Teachers will endeavour to get both sides of the story keeping in mind the rights of all pupils and the Code of Behaviour of the school.
· Aims.
* To raise the awareness of staff, children, parents and B.O.M. and agree on what bullying is and how unacceptable it is.
* To create a school ethos which encourages children to disclose and discuss incidents of bullying behaviour.
*To ensure comprehensive supervision and monitoring measures through which all areas of school activity are kept under observation.
*To develop procedures for noting, investigating and dealing with incidents of bullying behaviour.
*To implement a programme of support for those affected by bullying behaviour and for those involved in bullying behaviour.
*To work with appropriate agencies in countering all forms of bullying and anti bullying behaviour.
* To foster positive behaviour and create a positive school climate, which focuses on respect for the individual.
Definition of Bullying.
* “Bullying is repeated and deliberate aggression, verbal psychological or physical, conducted by an individual or group against others. Isolated incidents of aggressive behaviour, which should not be condoned, can scarcely be described as bullying. When this behaviour is systematic and ongoing it is bullying”
(Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour Primary and Post Primary Schools 1993)
* “Bullying is knowing what hurts someone and deliberately doing it.” (Bullying in our Schools, David Fitzgerald)
Content of Plan.
Recognition of bullying Behaviour.
Common forms of bullying:
Physical :- pushing, shoving, kicking, digs, laugh about
Verbal :– name calling, teasing, insulting, humiliating.
Emotional:- threats, rumours, ignoring, excluding.
Non-verbal:- making suggestive, provocative or intimidating gestures—sneer, dirty look, stare (facial expressions)
E-bulling:- (text) threatening orupsetting messages or images.
Personal Property:- threats or damage to person or property.
Intention of bullying:- a person tries to damage another persons self esteem, thereby reducing the his/her sense of personal power and ability to pose a threat.
Indicators that may suggest a child is being bullied
Deterioration in educational performance,Unexplained bruising, cuts or damaged clothes, Visible signs of anxiety or distress – refusal to say what is wrong unexplained mood swings or behaviour, becoming withdrawn, becoming clinging, attention seeking, aggressive behaviour, Out of character behaviour in class, Deterioration in educational attainments, Loss of concentration, Loss of interest in school, Erratic attendance, Mitching, Lingering behind in school after classes are over, Increased requests for pocket money or stealing money, Loss of or damage to personal possessions or equipment, Artwork expressing inner turmoil…
Fostering positive behaviour.
a) Through the school ethos.
· Good role models (staff) and promotion of positive school atmosphere.
· Children are told what to do if they are bullied:-
* It’s not your fault.
* Don’t put up with bullying.
* Ask for help.
· Parents are aware of procedures if they feel their child is being bullied or bullying. i.e. Parents should make an appointment to talk to the teachers and be aware that it will be dealt with in a sensitive manner. Parents reinforce positive behaviour both at home and at school and support the Anti-Bullying Code.
· Staff are vigilant regarding children who are considered at risk of being bullied.
· B.O.M. are aware of their role.
b) Supervision– in the school playground and classroom. Identify and supervise all high – risk locations and situations.
* Playground.
* Toilets. (High- risk area)– leave outside door open.
* Bus.
* Have communication with children—clear and open.
* Mentoring—where senior children have caring attitude and look out for younger children. Older children organise playground games for the younger children
C) Curriculum.
* Circletime,
* Drama, co-operative games.
* P.E.
* S.P.H.E. Walk Tall, Stay Safe, R.S.E
* Surveys: – confidential/questionnaires on bullying situation where children write or draw what happened.
* Playground and classroom rules drawn up by children themselves during assembly time and class time.
Prevention of bullying.
· Draw up policy- all in school community know it and own it.
· Encourage open communication.
· Identify high-risk locations.
· All staff committed to tackling bullying.
· Children monitor and report as well as staff.
· Confidential surveys, questionnaires, pictures where necessary and appropriate.
· Blocks of lessons from Prim Ed Bullying Books with focus on bullying self-esteem.(Use of Posters on Bullying in the school)
· Through out the school, encourage kindness, respect, and tolerance and emphasise that bullying behaviour is unacceptable and wrong.
· Everyone be aware of what Bullying is as defined in our School Policy.
· Co-operation and support from parents and between all parties is essential in the effective operation of Anti Bullying Policy.
· Parents should explain and backup Code of Behaviour and Anti Bullying Policy.
· Promoting self esteem through celebrating individual achievements e.g. recognition and praise at Assembly for achievements, providing opportunities for success during the school day, praise and notes sent home for incidents where the child acted responsibly, “Pupil of the Week” Awards, at different times of the year.
· Pupils are helped to develop empathy by discussing feelings and by trying to put themselves in the place of others.
· Use assemblies to remind pupils of the school’s anti bullying policy
· Use of both the formal and informal curriculum to emphasise that bullying is unacceptable… visual arts activities, posters, drama, role play, SPHE, cooperative games…
· Special events such as a Secret Friend Week .
· Devising a school charter for display in classrooms and other prominent locations egg. “Treat others as you would like to be treated”
Intervention -Procedures for dealing with incidents of bullying
“Teachers are best advised to take a calm, unemotional problem solving approach when dealing with incidents of bullying behaviour reported by pupils, staff or parents/guardians. Such incidents are best investigated outside the classroom situation to avoid public humiliation of the victim or the pupil engaged in bullying.” (Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour in Primary and Post-Primary Schools, 1993)
1. Take all reports seriously. Record the complaint in the logbook, investigate over a period of time.
2. Information should be gathered with care and sensitivity.(what, where, when, who and why)
3. Decide in consultation with Principal if it fits the criteria for bullying.
4. If it is a case of bullying, parents will be consulted individually and initially their support and input sought.
5. The Victim should be reassured that they are supported and heard.-(not their fault)
6. Try to establish the reasons behind the actions of a child displaying bullying behaviour. Try to condemn the “behaviour”, not the person.(Label actions not person)
7. When a group is involved each member may be interviewed individually. Records will be kept of these incidents in the Office Log Book and sometimes children themselves will write out an account or draw what happened.
8. Parents of victim and child displaying bullying behaviour will be kept fully informed of actions taken.
9. Insist on a full apology and restitution where possible.
10. Adopt a “No Blame Approach” (Calm, unemotional response by teacher and Principal-See Page 8 of this policy)
11. Report and acknowledge improvements in behaviour to child/Parent.
12. Refer to Booklet (Stop it-Steps to Address Bullying) Wexford Health Board.
13. An Individual approach will be taken with the child displaying Bullying Behaviour and the Victim in dealing with incidents.
14. Professional Assistance e.g. NEP’s, HSE will be sought in serious cases with knowledge of parent. B.O.M. may need to be a part of this.
Success Criteria.
* A happy safe school where children are not afraid to tell.
* An atmosphere where everyone knows what Bullying is.
* Parents and staff are aware of and supportive of our Policy and feel free to report and input through the right channels i.e. know what to do.
* At the end of the day the child displaying bullying behaviour and the victim will be helped.
* Observation of positive behaviour in class rooms, corridors, yard
Roles and Responsibility.
Bullying is a social problem and a whole school community approach is needed to combat bulling behaviour. It is part of the ethos of our school to recognise, highlight and nurture the strengths and talents of every child. Children are encouraged to seek ways of expressing their needs, which do not violate the rights of others.
Reference to other policies
o SPHE plan
o Code of Behaviour
o Record keeping
o Home / School links
o Health & Safety
o Special Educational Needs
Review
This policy will be reviewed in two years and amended if necessary before then.
Ratification and Communication
This policy was circulated to the Policy Reading group of parents and feedback was invited. It was ratified by the Board of Management on Thursday 10th June 2010 and made available for viewing on the website from September 2010
Signature of Chairperson of B.O.M: Rev Neil O Raw (10 th June 2010).
Useful website: www.abc.tcd.ie
