Anti
Bullying
DEFINITIONS:
Coonalpyn Primary believes;
Bullying
to be a behaviour that involves the misuse of power; involving physical,
emotional, sexual, and/or verbal treatment that leads to the devaluing
and exclusion of others.
A bully
is a person or group behaving in a way which might meet his/her needs
for excitement, status, material gain and one who does not recognise
the needs and rights of others who are harmed by the behaviour.
A victim
is a person or group that is harmed by the behaviour of others and who
does not have the resources, status or ability to stop the harmful behaviour.
SCHOOL
STATEMENT:
Coonalpyn
Primary School views bullying seriously. Our main aim is to foster an
environment where bullying is discouraged and seen to be inappropriate.
Bullying
is a universal problem, but we believe that as a school community, we
can reduce the number of bullying incidents by working together. This
will support our student's rights to enjoy their educational experiences
without fear of harassment. To achieve this, it is necessary that we
operate an active whole school Anti Bullying Policy that is applied
consistently and promptly.
Early intervention
is important if behaviours are to be changed.
AIMS:
- To
be aware of the quantity and nature of bullying that takes place in
the school.
- To
effect changes in the school community to stop bullying
- To
create a caring community where no students need fear intimidation
by reporting all instances of bullying.
- To
further the social, moral and cultural development of the individual
and the community.
- To
implement anti-bullying programmes relating to self-awareness, responsibility
and respect of others.
RESPONSES
TO BULLYING:
Anyone
can and should report any bullying incident, whether as a witness, victim
or bully.
Students are informed that anyone wishing to report an incident can
approach any member of staff with whom they feel comfortable. If the
matter is urgent, students should approach the first staff member they
encounter.
All staff will be ready and willing to deal with any incident that is
brought to their attention. If appropriate, that member of staff will
deal with the incident individually. Otherwise the Principal will be
consulted.
Bullies
will be made to realise the effect their actions have on others.
Each person in a 'bullying group' is responsible, including bystanders
who claim to have 'done nothing.'
- School
responses to bullying may include:
- Operating
a reporting and recording procedure.
- Dealing
with reports fast and fairly.
- Interviewing
all involved and taking into account all views.
- Provide
anonymity for the victim whenever possible.
- Offer
advice and support for the victim and the person/s responsible.
- Ensure
that all involved are kept informed.
- Operate
a system of consequences, which reflect the seriousness of the offence.
(In the case of assault, the police may be involved.)
RESPONSE
CHART
1.
INITIAL INCIDENT
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a) Reported
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b) Counselled by staff member
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c) Letter may be sent home to Parents/Carers of victim and bully
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d) Consequence (if needed) for bully
2) A FURTHER INCIDENT OCCURS
|
a) Both sets of Parents/Caregivers may be asked to attend a meeting
at school.
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b) Strategy developed to meet the needs of students.
(No Blame Approach)
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c) Further counselling and observations of bully/victim relationship.
3) BULLYING CONTINUES
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a) Parents/Caregivers attend a meeting at school.
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b) Consequences for bully may lead to suspension from school.
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c) Additional external assistance may be sought for the bully.
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d) Exclusion from school if bully is unwilling/unable to change behaviour.
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