Introduction
We undertake to educate the students in our care as to what constitutes
bullying, what their rights are as members of the school community
and what their responsibilities are with respect to the rights of
others.
We will actively seek out information from students, parents and other
staff when we feel that there is an indication that a bullying situation
could be occurring. All such incidents will be investigated and followed
up by appropriate school personnel.
The well being and safety of the victim/victims will be treated as
being of paramount importance and this consideration will inform all
further action taken by the school.
Where possible and if it is judged to be in the interest of the students,
parents of victims and/or bullies will be informed and kept up to
date on progress in resolving the incident.
We actively encourage parents to communicate any suspicion they have
that an incidence of bullying is taking place, whether it involves
their own or other children. All communications of this nature All
be treated seriously.
Information
for Parents
Definition
"Bullying is repeated 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. However, when the behaviour
is systematic and ongoing it is bullying"
Types
of Bullying
- Physical
aggression.
- Damage
to property, (damage to clothing, .school books, bicycle or locker).
- Extortion
- (loss of lunch money or property).
- Intimidation
--(aggressive body language)
- Abusive
telephone calls
- Isolation
- (exclusion from groups, being ignored)
- Name
calling/"slagging".
Group
Bullying
More
than one person engaged in bullying another. Normally this "Group"
would have a "Ring Leader" who would direct or encourage others.
Isolation and counselling of this "Ring leader" is the normal
solution to this type of "Bullying".
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One
to One Bullying
One pupil bullying another.
Teacher
to Pupil Bullying
Sarcastic, insulting or demeaning comments towards a pupil/s.
Pupil/s
to Teacher
Sarcastic,
insulting or demeaning comments towards a teacher. Adults are as
vulnerable to Bullying as children.
Signs
and Symptoms
- Anxiety
about travelling to or from school (requesting parents to drive
or collect them, changing route of travel).
- Unwillingness
to go to school - (refusal to attend or "mitching").
- Deterioration
in educational performance.
- Pattern
of physical illnesses (Headaches, stomach aches etc.).
- Unexplained
changes in mood or behaviour.
- Visible
signs of anxiety or distress.
- Spontaneous
out-of-character comments about either pupils or teacher.
- Possessions
missing or damaged.
- Increased
requests for money or stealing money.
- Unexplained
bruising or cuts or damaged clothing.
- Serious
change in pattern of friendship, especially loss of friends.
These
signs do not necessarily mean that a pupil is being bullied. If
repeated or occurring in combination these signs do warrant investigation.
Suggestions
for Parents
Parents
should always listen to what their child is saying by:
- Giving
positive attention.
- Active
listening.
- Giving
your time.
- Not
making snap judgements or evaluations.
- Not
criticising.
- Not
interrupting.
- Avoiding
continuous questioning.
- Allowing
them ample time and space to convey his/her fears (don't make
them ashamed of their fears).
If
you are concerned that your child is involved in bullying behaviour
or is a victim of bullying contact the College immediately and discuss
the situation with a member of Confey College staff. This could
be the Principal/Deputy Principal, Counsellor, Chaplain, Year Head,
Tutor or any other teacher.
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