http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/

DON'T BE BULLIED

What You Should Do:

• TELL someone you can trust! A problem becomes smaller if it is shared
• WALK away if you can. It's still hard to bully someone who won't stand still
• STAY with a crowd. Try not to be on your own at the times you don't feel safe
• KNOW and AVOID the "danger" areas.
• KEEP a record of what is happening
• DON'T be embarrassed to ask for help. We all need it sometimes.
• TRY to support other victims.

Essential Guide for Parents:

• TALK to your child on a regular basis, so any problem is easier to share.
• LISTEN to what they say - and believe it
• ENCOURAGE your child to feel good about themselves realising that we are all different and equally important.
• THINK back to your own childhood. How did YOU feel?
• IF you believe your child is being bullied or is a bully, talk to other adults at home or school and explore the options. Don't stay silent.
• IF your child is a victim assure them that it's not their fault, and that you ARE going to do something to help.
• BE realistic in your expectation if the school have agreed to sort it out. Ongoing problems may take time to resolve.
• TRY to be assertive with the school, not aggressive. Without a good working relationship between parents and the school the situation could deteriorate, which won't help you or them.
• ALWAYS remember that children can't solve bullying alone. They NEED support.

What is bullying?

Bullying is a subjective experience and can take many forms, making it extremely difficult to define. Children, young people and adults can instigate bullying. The nature of bullying is changing and evolving as technology develops.

Bullying is harmful to all involved, not just the bullied, and can lead to self-doubt, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, self-harm and sometimes even suicide. Bullying generally fits into one of two categories: emotionally or physically harmful behaviour. This includes:

Name-calling; taunting; mocking; making offensive comments; kicking; hitting; pushing; taking belongings; text messaging; emailing, gossiping; excluding people from groups; and spreading hurtful and untruthful rumours

Definitions are different and individuals have different experiences; however from the accounts we have heard from children and young people we consider bullying to be:

1. Repetitive, wilful or persistent
2. Intentionally harmful, carried out by an individual or a group
3. An imbalance of power leaving the victim feeling defenceless

Southmoor’s staged response to bullying.

When a member of staff detects an incident of bullying or when an incident of bullying is reported to a member of staff. The stages below should be followed:

Stage 1: Information

• Any pupils involved should complete a standard Pupil Incident Form.
• Where necessary the member of staff involved should also complete a Serious Incident Form.
• All completed forms go to the DoL (Director of Learning) of the alleged bully.

Stage 2: Investigation and Action

• All pupils involved should be interviewed by the appropriate DoL’s.
• At this stage DoL’s will contact parents of any pupils where deemed appropriate.
• A letter of apology should be written to the victim if DoL deems it appropriate.
• The incident will be logged in the school Bullying Incident Record.

Stage 3: Anti Bullying Panel

• If the perpetrator re-offends he/she is referred to the anti bullying panel, convened by the DoL.
• Anti-bullying panel consists of DoL, Senior Assistant Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, and a governor when possible.
• Panel meets with perpetrator and parents.
• Home school agreement discussed and resigned.
• The panel decides upon the next course of action.

Stage 4: Behaviour Support Unit

• Persistent bullies will receive a letter from the Headteacher.
• Names will be given to the police for possible action.
• BSU intervention.
• Attend twilight sessions in addition to normal school hours.

Stage 5: Exclusion

• Fixed term exclusion.

Do you need help?

If you are worried about bullying and need help and advice, please contact one of the organisations below. All the organisations listed are members of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, which means that they have agreed to work together to stop bullying.

Help for children and young people:

Childline - http://www.childline.org.uk/
Phone 0800 1111

NSPCC - http://www.nspcc.org.uk/html/home/home.htm
Phone 0808 800 5000 (textphone: 0800 056 0566)

There-4-me - http://www.there-4-me.com/
NSPCC online advice for 12-16 year olds

Help for parents or carers worried about their child being bullied:

Parentline Plus - http://www.parentlineplus.org.uk/
Phone 0808 800 2222

Kidscape - http://www.kidscape.org.uk/
Phone 08451 205 204

Advisory Centre for Education - http://www.ace-ed.org.uk/
Phone 0808 800 5793 (Monday to Friday 2 – 5 pm )

Children’s Legal Centre - http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com/
Phone 0845 456 6811

Other links:

Bullying Online - http://www.bullying.co.uk/

News of the World - http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/dontbebullied.shtml