Anti-Bullying Stance - St Joseph's Primary School Gloucester

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Anti-Bullying Stance

St Joseph’s Gloucester is committed to the provision of a safe and supportive environment free from harassment and intimidation which promotes personal growth and positive self-esteem for all, both in and out of the classroom.

Definition

The National Safe Schools Framework (2011) defines bullying as repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological behaviour that is harmful and involves the misuse of power by an individual or group towards one or more persons.

Cyberbullying

“…any form of bullying that utilises technology such as instant messaging, online chat rooms, online bulletin boards and email. In many ways this is a more insidious form of bullying since it may reach into a victim’s home.” In other words, technology now allows the bully to inflict psychological harm on his or her victim anywhere and anytime without respite. (Schools and the Law – Des Butler and Ben Matthews, p. 46).

Responsibilities of Staff

To model appropriate behaviour at all times
To deal with all reported and observed incidences of bullying
To report incidences of bullying to the Principal
To ensure that students feel and understand that they have been heard
To watch for signs of bullying amongst students
To build a sense of respect for each individual within the school community
To nurture a sense of goodness in students
To give time and support to children who report instances perceived by them as ‘bullying’
Document all reported incidents and their follow up on COMPASS
Policy will be posted on the school’s webpage
Follow the school’s policy and procedures on anti-bullying
Monitor student understanding of anti-bullying policy and processes through the conduct of an annual survey
Evaluate the policy annually

Responsibilities of Children

To ‘tell’ if they are being bullied or if they feel someone else being bullied – both at school and on the way to and from school
To help someone who is being bullied. To provide support for an individual
To not bully others
To respect the judgement of teachers when assessing ‘bullying’
To respect themselves as individuals and as part of a loving and encouraging community
To respect the viewpoint of others and to strive to empathise and understand that no one viewpoint has absolute authority over another valid, positive viewpoint
Accept responsibility for one’s own behaviour, to own your problems
To not deflect your choices of behaviour onto others
Follow the school’s policy and procedures on anti-bullying
Have an understanding and awareness of what constitutes bullying

Responsibilities of Parents

To work with the school community to encourage good values of respect and tolerance of individuality
To understand that conflict is a normal part of relationships
To distinguish between relationship conflicts and ‘bullying’
To participate in the annual evaluation of the anti-bullying policy and procedures
To watch for signs that their child may be bullied
To speak to someone on staff at the school if they suspect their child is being bullied
To instruct their children to ‘tell’ if they are being bullied
To support the procedures outlined in the school’s Anti-Bullying Policy