GENERAL RULES

Shouting "Bullying" as a joke is not permitted. Whenever someone does this, he or she will be asked to go to the Co-ordinator to substantiate the claim. When he or she informs that it was a joke, this is noted in Copy-book A and the student is reminded that bullying is no longer a joke.

Absolute confidentiality is to be maintained with regard to the identity of the persons giving information on bullying.

No student may be questioned by another concerning the information contained in his or her weekly letter, or on the subject matter of an interview.

If a student is warned during an interview that information has come in, accusing him or her of bullying another, the student must be warned also to keep away from the student concerned (unless the student in question wishes otherwise) and under no circumstances to ask questions as to who has passed on the information.

Breaking confidentiality by questioning a person who has been interviewed should be regarded as seriously as the bullying act itself.

The ABC should make every effort to determine the truth or falsehood of the accusation. If the bullying behaviour is admitted, a warning and advice should be given. If the behaviour persists the Principal should be informed and the matter handed over in its entirety to him or her. In some cases, however, the matter may be so grave as to warrant the immediate involvement of the Principal.
If however the bullying behaviour is not admitted, the student will be told that if further complaints come in, his or her parents may have to be interviewed as well as the parents of the alleged victim. An arrangement will then be made to meet one or both sets of parents, depending on the seriousness of the matter and the opinion of the interviewer.

When all efforts have failed, the matter is handed over to the Principal and the Coordinator informs the victim, the alleged bully, and both sets of parents or guardians that the matter is now in the hands of the Principal and any further action will be taken by the Principal. See also Steps for a victim to take