CGB Secondary Section Policy to Counter Bullying and Harassment

This policy statement includes the following components:

• The aims and objectives of the school in relation to bullying.

• A clear definition of what behaviour is considered to be bullying within the school.

• A description of how bullying is to be prevented.

• Procedures for staff, pupils, parents and governors who become aware of bullying situations.

• Procedures for bullying situations, which persist even after, initial intervention by the school.

1. The aim of the school should be to prevent all forms of bullying so that all students can live and work in a happy environment that is free from extraneous stresses.

2. Bullying may include:

a. Direct physical abuse
b. Intimidation through the threat of physical abuse
c. Actual or attempted extortion with or without menaces
d. Theft or damage of personal property
e. Name-calling, rumour-mongering and other verbal abuse
f. Social exclusion or ostracism
g. Cyber bullying
h.   “Sexting” (Sending sexually explicit photos or messages of/about someone via text message)

CGB holds that bullying implies that the two (or more) parties involved are of unequal physical or mental development, age or status. It is defined as a person who hurts, frightens or torments weaker or smaller people.  CGB understands that sometimes bullies can also be victims – but that it doesn’t excuse their behaviour, but might help explain it.  If a bully is able to learn from her or his mistakes then s/he will be given a second chance, and support will be provided so that s/he can redeem her/himself.

3. Measures to prevent bullying should include:

a. Generating an awareness and openness about the problem with the students through the PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, and Civic Education) programme, Assemblies and general briefings with the following aims:-

i. Educating students about the problem
ii. Introducing them to the school’s policy
iii. Challenging ‘traditional’ attitudes to bullying
iv. Teaching students how to respond to bullying constructively
v. Training in assertiveness
vi. Teaching students how to support peers who are being bullied
vii. Facilitating an anti-bullying ethos in the school

b. Generating awareness among members of staff such that their own behaviour in preventing and combating bullying is proactive and positive:-

• If students see bullying behaviour being used by staff in order to maintain discipline then they will automatically assume it is acceptable.

• All staff must take reports of bullying seriously even if the events seem unclear.  To ignore a report of bullying is to condone it.

• Students should be listened to carefully by all staff and allowed to have their say in a relaxed, stress-free situation.  Decisions with regard to where and when students may want to discuss their experiences, and who might be an appropriate listener/counsellor, must be taken carefully.

• Students will only report problems if they see staff taking them seriously.  Complaints should not be prejudged.

• It is important to build up a good rapport between staff and students such that students feel comfortable discussing problems.

c. Generating awareness among senior students and gaining their support.  They are in much closer contact with the students than the staff.

d. Counselling and supporting students who have been bullied.  Extended bullying often leads to a damaging loss of self-confidence and the bullied students might require help to rebuild their self-esteem.

e. Parents of all parties involved will be contacted after initial intervention by staff.

4. Students, their parents/guardians, as well as staff should be encouraged to report immediately all incidents of bullying or suspected bullying to appropriate members of the pastoral team who must take action and keep a full record of the incident and any investigations.

5.  If an accusation of bullying is made to a member of staff there are some actions which will always follow and some actions which may well follow:-

The following actions will take place:

• Details of the accusation will be recorded at the time, or as soon as possible after the information is received.

• A member of the SMT will be informed verbally and will support the member of staff who is dealing with the issue.

• All parties involved will write a statement about the incident.

• The member of SMT will interview all parties individually and listen to both/all sides of the story.

• CEG will be informed and a meeting will be set up between all parties concerned and a psychologist to help understand how the event happened in the first place, and to support all parties in increasing their self-esteem.  When the psychologist feels it is safe enough, and the former victim feels empowered enough, a Restorative Justice session will be held.  At this session two student members of the Values Committee will also be invited.  At this meeting the student body, in conjunction with the psychologist and a member of SMT, will decide what the sanction will be, and ensure it is appropriate to the incident.

• Parents will be contacted after the initial intervention by telephone.

• The student/s who bullied will attend an SMT detention.  During this time a suitable activity will be undertaken that supports them reflect on their actions and move forward.

• Close monitoring will take place for a specified period through the teaching staff.  If any subsequent bullying takes place, the above process will be followed, but with a Conditional Matricula being issued.  If the incident is deemed serious enough in the first instance, then a Conditional Matricula may be issued at that stage.

• A student contract will be written and signed by the student/s who bullied with strict conditions concerning personal behaviour. A copy will be sent to the DEN, home and remain on the student/s’ file.

The following actions may take place following consultation with the Director.

• Consultation with medical staff.

• Consultation with any listener/confidant/counsellor nominated by the victim.

• Separation or distancing of individuals from one another.

• Gathering and recording further information and evidence from students, staff and any other witnesses.

The following responses may be considered:

• Case conference with Head of Section, parents and student present.

• Imposition of appropriate disciplinary sanctions, including internal exclusion for fixed periods or in extreme cases permanent exclusion.

• Development of a strategy for the support of students ‘at risk’ and, if appropriate, students who are involved in bullying others.

Message to students

No member of our school community needs to accept from others behaviour that s/he finds offensive.  To all our students, including the very youngest, we explain appropriate behaviour in these terms:

If someone else finds your behaviour offensive then what you are doing is against the Code of Conduct because it is not showing respect for the feelings and rights of others.  In this case you should stop the offending behaviour at once.

If you are uncomfortable with the behaviour of others – student or adult – towards you, or you find their behaviour offensive, it is likely that there is something wrong with their behaviour towards you.

If you feel uncomfortable because of the behaviour of another, you are advised to follow the following steps:

Tell the person that you feel uncomfortable and ask him/her to stop it.
If the behaviour continues, tell your teacher or another adult you trust in school.
All such complaints will be taken seriously and listened to.
If someone is calling you names or making hurtful comments try to ignore them – walk away.
Do not retaliate by calling them names or hitting them – this will make matters worse and possibly get you in trouble instead.  Tell your teacher.  The bully should be the one who gets into trouble.
The teacher will talk to the offender and decide on a Plan of Action.
Your complaint and a Plan of Action will be written down and filed.
If the bad behaviour continues after action have been taken by the school, you must tell your teacher or another adult if the incident occurs, or as soon as possible afterwards.
You must report every instance of continued bullying or harassment – not reporting will make the situation worse.
Remember: it is not your fault – you are not to blame.  Bullies have no right to make you unhappy.
Continued bullying or harassment will result in the offender being withdrawn from classes until a written Plan of Action is signed (by both the Head of Section and the parents), agreed and implemented.

CGB views any form of verbal or physical harassment very seriously, including any form of sexual, racist, homophobic, anti-disabled, abusive or insulting remarks.  Action will always be taken against offenders.

Message to parents and staff

You can help by:

Looking out for signs of distress – reluctance to go to school – headaches – loss of personal property – asking for extra pocket money.
Letting us know as soon as you have firm suspicions.
Taking an active interest in your child’s social life and friendship circles.
Discussing what happens during breaks and the journeys to and from school.
Contacting your child’s teacher if you are worried.
Trying to help your child make friends to make bullying less likely.
Informing the school if your child is coming home with other students’ property – money from unidentified sources.
Understanding that bullies also need to be understood and appropriate action taken to help them conform to the Code of Conduct.

If your child is being bullied, please do not encourage him/her to hit back; it will make matters worse.  Staff at school can offer support – IF they know of your concerns.  Teachers, Heads of Section and the Director are willing to listen.  CEG is always available for support and counselling.




Policy updated August 2011