 Bullying
is repeated aggression, either verbal, psychological or physical, conducted by
an individual or groups against others. Isolated
incidents of aggressive behaviour which are not condoned, cannot be described as
bullying. However when the behaviour
is systematic and ongoing, it is bullying. It
may manifest itself in many forms such as physical aggression, damage to
property, extortion, intimidation, isolation, name-calling and
"slagging". At the centre
of our school's response to bullying is the continued development of a positive
school climate which focuses on respect for the individual. It
is an important element of school policy to raise the awareness of bullying as a
form of unacceptable behaviour.
Procedures for Noting and
Reporting an incident of Bullying Behaviour
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All incidents of bullying
will be investigated and dealt with by the teachers.
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Serious cases of bullying
behaviour by pupils are referred immediately to the principal.
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Parents of victims and
bullies will be informed earlier rather than later of incidents.
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It is made clear to pupils
that when they report incidents of bullying they are not telling tales but
are behaving responsibly. It is
important to counteract a culture which may associate "telling"
with "informing".
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Encouraging a child to hit
back is mistaken because it does not address the reasons for the bullying
behaviour and it could also result in a child being seriously hurt if the
bully is more adept at fighting.
Procedures for Investigating and Dealing with Bullying
- When investigating incidents of bullying behaviour, it
is necessary to seek answers to questions of what, where, when, who and why?
- If pupils are found to have been involved in bullying
behaviour, it will be made clear to them that they are in breach of the Code
of Behaviour, and sanctions will be applied.
Work with Victims and Bullies
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Low self-esteem is an attribute
which victims and bullies share. It
is necessary therefore to avail of opportunities to increase feelings of
self-worth among victims and bullies. Victims
may need counselling to participate in activities designed to raise their
self-esteem and bullies may need counselling to help them learn other ways
of meeting their needs without violating the rights of others.
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Pupils who observe incidents of
bullying behaviour should be encouraged to discuss them with their teachers.
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Bullying is a societal problem and a
whole community approach is needed to combat bullying behaviour. The
school as a community is made up of management, teachers, non-teaching
staff, pupils and parents, and the promotion of home/school/community links
is a vital element in the countering of bullying behaviour.
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The school's anti-bullying code is
discussed regularly in each class and explained to the children.
Anti-Bullying Code in St Colmcille's BNS
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Every pupil has the right to enjoy
his time in St Colmcille's Boys' National School, free from bullying, both
in school and on his journey to and from school.
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Our school will not tolerate any
unkind actions or remarks, even if these were not meant to hurt.
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Pupils should support each other by
reporting all instances of bullying.
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Bullying is regarded as a very
serious matter; no child has a right to strike another, even in
"self-defence".
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