SCHOOL POLICY ON BULLYING - SCOIL MHUIRE RÉALT NA MARA, BRITTAS BAY

Definition of Bullying

"Bullying can be defined as repeated aggression, verbal psychological or physical, conducted by an individual or group against others" (Department of Education 1993) Note: isolated incidents of aggressive behaviour or tension between pupils, which should not be condoned, can scarcely be described as bullying and should not be misrepresented. However, when the behaviour is systematic and ongoing it is bullying.

Possible Signs of Bullying (These may also be signs of unhappiness in a child's life as a result of other problems and should be investigated whenever they are observed.)

• Unexplained bruises, scratches, and cuts
• Anxiety about travelling to/from school
• Unwillingness to go to school
• Deterioration in educational performance
• Pattern of physical illness
• Unexplained changes in either mood/behaviour
• Visible signs of anxiety / distress
• Possessions missing
• Regular interference with books or possessions
• Increased requests for money
• Reluctance and/or refusal to say what is troubling him/her
• Becoming isolated in the class

Procedures for investigating and dealing with bullying

• Parents and pupils are encouraged to report alleged incidents of bullying to the class teacher immediately and specify incidents and names of those involved.
• All reports will be investigated and dealt with by the class teacher.
• The teacher will speak to the pupils involved.
• Members of a gang will be met individually and as a group.
• All members of staff will be informed so that they may supervise and monitor the situation in the yard and report back to the class teacher if any incidents occur.
• Where incidents of bullying are not outwardly apparent at school to the teachers, parents and pupils must keep the teacher regularly informed so that matters can be dealt with.
• The class teacher will meet parents of all parties involved in an effort to resolve the problem.
• The class teacher may refer to the Principal for advice/assistance in dealing with the situation.

Conclusion

Building self-esteem and confidence is equally important for both victims and perpetrators of bullying. This work can be achieved in a structured way particularly through social, personal and health education in the school curriculum. However, it must be stressed that bullying is a problem that cannot be eradicated through curriculum alone. It is a problem that requires the co-operation, understanding and support of schools, parents and the wider community.

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