Aughnacloy College

Aughnacloy College believes that its pupils have the right to learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment without fear of being bullied.

Included in the School Aims and Objectives is the following: -

Aim 3

To promote the development in pupils of attributes which will lead to high standards of behaviour and good personal relationships.

Objectives

1. To promote in pupils a range of attributes such as tolerance, consideration, honesty, punctuality, reliability and commitment.
2. To foster the development of positive attitudes through: -
   a)    Classroom experience
   b)    Extra curricular activities

   c)    The general ethos of the school

3. To provide a safe, secure learning environment for all pupils in which bullying is unacceptable.

All organisations, both large and small, contain some young people with the potential for bullying behaviour.  We believe that if school is well disciplined organised and pro-active, then we can minimise the occurrence and impact of bullying.

Bullying is a form of anti social behaviour; it is wrong and will not be tolerated.

It is important that pupils and parents/carers are fully aware that any bullying complaints will be dealt with firmly, fairly and promptly.

What is bullying?

Bullying can occur through several types of anti social behaviour.

Physical

Physical bullying takes place when for example a person is punched, kicked, hit, pushed, spat at etc.

Verbal

Verbal abuse can take the form of name-calling.  It may be directed towards someone because of his or her gender, ethnic origin, physical disability or personality.

Exclusion

A child may be bullied simply by being excluded from discussions/activities with those who they believe to be their friends.

Damage to property of theft

Pupils may have their property damaged or stolen.  Physical threats may be used in order that the pupil hands over property to them.

Motivation for bullying

• ‘Fun and entertainment’
• Boredom
• Revenge
• Gain e.g. money or property
• Power
• Jealousy

Where/When does bullying take place?

• In class
• In the corridor
• Break/Lunch Time
• To and from school
• Changing Rooms and Cloakrooms
• Outside School
• Computer
• Mobile Phone

What can pupils do if they are being bullied?

• Remember that your silence is the bully’s greatest weapon.
• Tell yourself that you do not deserve to be bullied and it is wrong.
• Be proud of who you are.
• Try not to show that you are upset.
• Stay with a group of friends.
• Be assertive, walk confidently away and go to a member of staff.
• Do not fight back it may make things worse.
• Always try to tell an adult you trust.

If you know someone is being bullied.

• Take action – watching and doing nothing looks as if you are on the side of the bully and the victim may feel more unhappy and on their own.
• Tell an adult immediately.  Teachers have ways of dealing with those bullying without getting you into trouble.
• Do not be, or pretend to be, friends with those involved in bullying behaviour.

What can parents/carers do?

• Look for unusual behaviour in your children.  They may suddenly not wish to attend school, feel ill regularly or not complete work to their usual standard.
• Take an active role in your child’s education.  Enquire how the day has gone, who they have spent their time with and how lunch was spent.
• Inform the school immediately if you feel your child may be a victim of bullying.  Your complaint will be taken seriously and appropriate action will follow.
• Advise your child not to fight back.  It may make matters worse.
• Reassure your child that there is nothing wrong with them.  It is not their fault that the bullying is taking place.
• Make sure your child is aware of the school’s anti bullying policy and that they should not be afraid to ask for help.

What will the school do?

• We encourage pupils to treat everyone with respect.
• We use any opportunity to discuss aspects of bullying (e.g. assembly and PSHE classes) and the appropriate way to behave towards each other.
• We treat bullying as a serious offence and take every possible action to remove it from the school.
• We deal firmly but fairly with any complaints and involve parents/carers where necessary.
• Mediation between bully and victim is offered and encouraged.
• Implementing a ‘buddy’ scheme for those who are vulnerable.
• When necessary we consult with outside agencies such as; Behaviour Management Team, the Pupil Personal Development Services and the PSNI.
• We review our anti bullying policy annually.

What action is taken by the school when bullying is suspected?

The victim is supported in the following ways:-

• Providing an immediate place of safety (if necessary)
• Offering an immediate opportunity to talk about the experience with their Form Teacher or another teacher they choose.
• Informing the victim’s parents/carers.
• Offering continuing support.
• Referral to the school counsellor if appropriate.
• Arranging for the victim to be escorted to and from the school premises (if deemed necessary) or other appropriate assistance.
• Punishing those involved in bullying by:-

1.  Warned officially to stop offending.

2.  The parents/carers of those offending will be informed.

3.  Pupils who bully will be placed in Break, Lunchtime and after school

detention.

4.  Referral where appropriate to the Behaviour Management Team

and/or Pupil Personal Development Services.

5.  Should those pupils continue to bully they may be suspended in

accordance with SELB policy.

6.  PSNI involvement where necessary.

7.  In very serious cases or when pupils do not end such bullying

behaviour, they will be recommended for permanent exclusion.

We will also support the bully in the following ways: -

• Discussing with them what happened to discover why they became involved.
• Referral to the school counsellor if appropriate.
• Informing their parents/carers.
• Continuing to counsel and monitor the bully in order to get rid of prejudiced attitudes.

Revised August 2009