Schools - bullying and harassment policy

We are committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for all people in our educational establishments. This commitment is implemented through the Support for Children and Young People Policy.

Schools can make a difference through their commitment to tackling the issues of bullying.

Bullying has four common features: 

  • it is deliberate, hurtful behaviour
  • it can be aggressive and violent
  • it is repeated
  • it is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves

There are different types of bullying: 

Physical

Pushing, kicking, punching, hitting or any use of or threatened use of physical violence

Verbal

Name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing, misuse of messaging systems, making derogatory comments about someone either written or verbal

Emotional

Excluding, being deliberately unfriendly, tormenting, racial taunts, threatening or rude gestures

Menacing

Applying undue pressure to persuade victim to comply with demands

Cyber-bullying

Cyber-bullying can affect anyone at any age through technology-based platforms, such as the internet, social networks, mobile technologies, online games and instant messaging platforms. The following information is specifically targeted for parents and carers looking after children or young people and introduces:

  • frequently used mobile technology - what it is and what it can do
  • the potential risk of cyber-bullying
  • practical advice to stay safe online
  • what to do if a child is being cyber-bullied or is cyber-bullying others

More information is available on the Respect me website and in Respect me's Cyber-bullying brochure.