Dealing with Bullying Behaviour

	Introduction
	To develop procedures for investigating and dealing with incidents Definition of Bullying Bullying is repeated aggression, verbal, psychological or physical conducted by an individual or group against others. Isolated incidents of aggressive behaviour, which should not be condoned, cannot be described as bullying. When the behaviour is systematic and ongoing it is bullying.
	Types of Bullying
	(a) Pupil Behaviour Bullying can take many forms: 1. Physical aggression 2. Damage to property 3. Extortion 4. Intimidation 5. Abusive telephone calls 6. Isolation 7. Name calling 8. Slagging 9. Bullying of school personnel
	(b) Teacher Behaviour A teacher may, unwittingly or otherwise, engage in, instigate or reinforce bullying behaviour in a number of ways: 1. Using sarcasm or other insulting or demeaning language when addressing pupils; making negative comments about a pupil's appearance or background. 2. Humiliating, directly or indirectly, a pupil who is particularly academically weak or outstanding, or vulnerable in other ways. 3. Using any gesture or expression of a threatening or intimidatory nature, or any form of degrading physical contact or exercise.
	Indications of Bullying Behaviour-Signs and Symptoms
	The following signs/symptoms may suggest that a pupil is being bullied: Anxiety about travelling to and from school. Unwillingness to go to school; mitching. Deterioration in educational performance. Pattern of physical illnesses. Unexplained changes in either mood or behaviour. Visible signs of anxiety or distress-stammering, withdrawing, nightmares, crying, bedwetting, etc. Spontaneous out-of-character comments about either pupils or teachers. Possessions missing or damaged. Increased requests for money or stealing. Unexplained bruising or cuts or damaged clothing. Refusal and/or reluctance to say what is troubling him/her. These signs do not necessarily mean that a pupil is being bullied. If repeated or occurring in combination those signs do warrant investigation in order to establish what is affecting the pupil.
	Where does Bullying Happen?
	(a) Pupil Behaviour Bullying in schools frequently takes place in the playground where hidden alcoves, the noise level and the type of games children play present possibilities for bullying. The playground provides an opportunity for older pupils to pick on younger pupils. It is also the ideal setting for the "bully gang". Continuing provocation may lead to a physical fight, and ironically in some cases the victim may appear to be the aggressor because he/she finally gives vent to his/her frustration. Bullying may also occur in class sometimes in a very subtle manner through glances, looks and sniggers but it may also take the more overt form of physical intimidation. It may also be exacerbated if there is a classroom atmosphere where pupils are allowed to make derogatory comments about their classmates or other teachers. Bullying may also take place on the journey to and from school, whether the individuals are walking, cycling or on school buses. (b) Teacher Behaviour Teacher behaviour of a bullying nature is most likely to take place in a classroom situation, but not exclusively so. It may take place in the playground, school gymnasium or on the sports field. The aim of this policy is: 1. To create a school ethos which encourages children to disclose and discuss incidents of bullying behaviour. 2. To raise awareness of bullying as a form of unacceptable behaviour with school management, teachers, pupils and parents/guardians. 3. To ensure comprehensive supervision and monitoring measures through which all areas of school activity are kept under observation. 4. To develop procedures for noting and reporting incidents of bullying behaviour. 5. To develop a programme of support for those affected by bullying behaviour and for those involved in bullying behaviour. 6. To work with and through the various local agencies in countering all forms of bullying and anti-social behaviour. 7. To evaluate the effectiveness of school policy on anti-bullying behaviour.
	(1) School Ethos:
	In Holy Family N.S. we aim to create a positive school climate, which focuses on respect for the individual. Pupils realise that they have a responsibility for the safety and welfare of fellow pupils and they will be encouraged to report incidences of bullying. The Principal and teachers have to be careful to act as good role models and not misuse their authority. The emphasis in the school is to prevent and not just control bullying. It is not sufficient to discipline the bully and to give support to the victim. All staff members have a responsibility to act in preventing bullying/aggressive behaviour by any member of the school.
	The school Acknowledges the uniqueness of each individual and his/her worth as a human being. Acknowledges the right of each member of the school community to enjoy school in a secure environment. Has a clear commitment to promoting equity in general and gender equity in particular in all aspects of its functioning. Disapproves of vulgar, offensive, sectarian, racial or other aggressive behaviour by any of its members. Promotes habits of mutual respect, courtesy and an awareness of the interdependence of people in groups and in the community. Takes particular care of "at risk" pupils and uses its monitoring system to provide early intervention when and if necessary and responds to the needs, fears or anxieties of individual members in a sensitive manner.
	(2) Raising the awareness of bullying as a form of unacceptable behaviour with school management, teachers, pupils and parents/guardians.
	In Holy Family N.S. every effort will be made to alert people to the harmful effects of bullying. The anti-bullying code will be part of the school's Code of Discipline and will be made available to every parent/guardian on the enrolment of their child in the school. Teachers will influence attitudes to bullying behaviour in a positive manner by their own good example; by the promotion of programmes such as The Stay Safe Programme; by focussing on respect for others in their Religion and Social Personal and Health Education classes and by stressing the interdependence of people in communities at local, national and international level in a wide range of cross-curricular initiatives. Pupils will be encouraged to report incidents of bullying-bullying will not be treated as a normal phase of development which teaches children to toughen up. It will be made clear to pupils that when they report incidents of bullying they are not telling tales but are behaving responsibly.
	(3) Comprehensive supervision and monitoring measures through which all areas of school activity are kept under observation.
	The Board of Management and staff will develop a system under which proper supervisory and monitoring measures are in place to deal with incidents of bullying behaviour. The Board of Management will, subject to resources at their disposal, employ such people as is necessary to assist in the effective supervision of pupils e.g. special needs assistants, classroom assistants etc. The teachers will liaise with each other to ensure that pupils who are engaged in bullying and pupils who are the victims of such behaviour will be monitored closely, especially during break-time. The Principal will ensure that non-teaching personnel, such as secretary, caretaker, special needs assistants and classroom assistants are aware of their responsibilities in regard to reporting incidents of bullying.
	(4) Procedures for Noting and Reporting an Incident of Bullying Behaviour.
	(a) All reports of bullying, no matter how trivial, will be noted, investigated and dealt with by teachers. In that way pupils will gain confidence in "telling". (b) It will be made clear to all pupils that when they report incidents of bullying they are not telling tales but are behaving responsibly. (c) Serious cases of bullying behaviour will be referred immediately to the Principal or Deputy Principal. (d) In cases where it has been determined that bullying behaviour has occurred, parents/guardians of victims and bullies will be informed by the Principal or Deputy Principal as soon as possible so that they are given an opportunity of discussing the matter. They are then in a position to help and support their children before a crisis occurs. (e) Parents/ guardians should note that the appropriate person to make enquiries regarding incidents of bullying behaviour is the Principal or, in his absence, the Deputy Principal. (f) Individual teachers, in consultation with the Principal, will record and take appropriate measures regarding reports of bullying behaviour. (g) Non-teaching staff such as secretary, caretaker, cleaners, Special Needs Assistants and Classroom Assistants will be encouraged to report any incident of bullying behaviour witnessed by them to the Principal. (h) In the case of a complaint regarding a staff member this will normally be dealt with, in the first instance, by the Principal. (i) In the case of a complaint regarding the Principal the matter will be dealt with, in the first instance, by the Chairperson of the Board of Management. (j) Where cases, relating to either a pupil or a teacher remain unresolved at school level, the matter will be referred to The Board of Management. (k) If it is not solved at Board level, it will then be referred to the local Inspectorate.
	(5) Procedures for investigating and dealing with bullying.
	(a) Teachers will take a calm, unemotional problem solving approach when dealing with incidents of bullying behaviour. Such incidents will normally be dealt with outside the classroom situation to avoid the public humiliation of the victim or the pupil engaged in bullying. (b) The teacher will speak separately to the pupils involved, in an attempt to get both sides of the story. Interviews will be conducted with sensitivity and with due regard to the rights of all pupils involved. Pupils who are not directly involved may be interviewed because they may have useful information. (c) The teacher will analyse the incident by seeking answers to questions of what, where, when, who and why. This should be done in a calm manner, thus setting an example in dealing effectively with a conflict in a non-aggressive manner. (d) If a gang is involved, each member will be interviewed individually and then the gang will be met as a group where each member will be asked for his/her account of what happened to ensure that everyone is clear about what everyone else has said. (e) If it is concluded that a pupil has been engaged in bullying behaviour, it will be made clear to him/her that he/she is in breach of the school's Code of Discipline and the matter will be referred to the Principal or Deputy Principal. The teacher will also try to get him/her to see it from the victim's point of view. (f) Members of the gang will be helped to handle the possible pressures that often face them from other members after being interviewed by the teacher. (g) Where a serious incident of bullying has been established the teacher will present the Principal or Deputy Principal with an oral account and written record of their discussions with those involved. It may also be appropriate to ask those involved to write down their account of the incident. (h) In cases where it has been determined that bullying behaviour has occurred, the Principal and Deputy Principal, in as far as it is practicable will meet the parents/guardians of the two parties involved. Appropriate actions, in accordance with school policy, being taken by the school and the reasons for them will be explained to the parents/guardians. Ways in which they can reinforce or support the actions being taken by the school will be discussed. (i) Follow-up meetings will be arranged separately with the two parties with a view to possibly bringing them together at a later date if the victim is ready and agreeable. This can have a therapeutic effect.
	(6) Programme for work with victims, bullies and their peers.
	Pupils involved in bullying behaviour need assistance on an ongoing basis. Bullies may need counselling to help them learn other ways of meeting their needs without violating the rights of others. Victims may need counselling and opportunities to participate in activities designed to raise their self-esteem and to develop their friendship and social skills. Special arrangements and resources may need to be put in place to cater for the needs of both bully and victim. Pupils who observe incidents of bullying behaviour will be encouraged to discuss them with teachers.
	(7) School working with and through the various local agencies in countering all forms of bullying as an anti-social behaviour.
	The school as a community is made up of management, teachers, non-teaching staff, pupils and parents/guardians. However, incidents of bullying usually extend beyond the school. It may be necessary for people like school bus drivers, school traffic warden, local shopkeepers to be asked to report bullying behaviour to parents and/or school as appropriate. It may be necessary from time to time to seek the assistance of the local gardai, health board and other agencies in countering bullying as an anti-social behaviour.
	(8) Evaluation of effectiveness of school policy on bullying behaviour.
	The school's anti-bullying code will be subject to continuous review, normally at staff meetings, in the light of incidents of bullying behaviour encountered.

Holy Family National School Rathcoole County Dublin