CONFEY
COMMUNITY
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A Handbook for Parents 2017-2018

Policy on Bullying - Information for Parents

I 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.  (Mr Mike O'Byrne, Principal.)

Advice for Parents - An PDF document is available here (New)

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".

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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This page was last updated July 29th. 2016  1:23 PM . To contact the school please email info@confeycollege.org
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