BULLYING POLICY INTRODUCTION Calderstones School is committed to the protection of the individual rights of each pupil by fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect, co-operation and consideration for others, particularly within the school community. This approach encompasses not only race, religion, gender and disability but also the rights of individuals to pursue their own interests be it in sport, music, fashion or life-style. Any behaviour which is threatening to this atmosphere, which makes an individual feel uncomfortable, unhappy, intimidated or persecuted in school, on the way to and from school, will not be tolerated. FORMS OF BULLYING Bullying involves both the mental and physical abuse of an individual. Bullying affects everyone, not just the bullies and the victims. It also affects those other children who watch, and less aggressive pupils can be drawn in by group pressure. The following are some examples of bullying which hurt and threaten and will not be tolerated:•
Calling names (teasing/taunting), making a person the butt of jokes/comments, homophobic name calling, sending inappropriate text messages.
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Setting someone up/getting a person into trouble
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Spreading rumours
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Leaving someone out of a group deliberately – isolating/excluding someone
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Extorting money/sweets etc
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Damage to property and/or theft
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Any form of unwarranted physical contact i.e. pinching, pushing, punching, kicking etc
Fighting – including the alleged “toy fighting” / “only messing”
Organising the intimidation physical or mental, of an individual, EVEN IF NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED.
Being a member of a group known to intimidate other pupils.
Calling names ….. text messages, using phones / cameras and computer technology to intimidate others in any way.
WARNING SIGNS TO PARENTS Bullying places an individual under enormous pressure. If your child has displayed the following behaviour, try to find out why; of course, it may just be a part of his/her normal adolescence – but CHECK • • • • • •
Reluctance/refusal to go to school Truancy Apparent symptoms of sickness/pains Change in behaviour patterns Lack of money Marks on body 35
Calderstones School