Anti-bullying Policy
Rationale
Bullying can be defined as a physical, psychological or verbal attack against an individual or group of individuals by a person or group of persons, causing physical and/or psychological harm to the victim. It is usually conscious and willful, and commonly consists of repeated acts of aggression and/or manipulation. It can occur in different forms - both physical and nonphysical, either in combination or separately. Any bullying, no matter its form, may result in lasting psychological damage to the individual.
There is no legal definition of bullying, however, it is defined as behaviour that is:
(a) Repeated
(b) Intended to hurt someone, either physically or emotionally
(c) Often aimed at certain groups, e.g. based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
Bullying is anti-social behaviour and affects everyone; it is unacceptable and is not tolerated. If bullying does occur, there is an expectation that is will be dealt with promptly and effectively. Any member of our community who knows that bullying is taking place is expected to tell a member of the staff. Only when all issues of bullying are addressed, will pupils be able to fully benefit from the opportunities available at this school.
St. George International School and Preschool is committed to create a culture based on the core values of Honesty, Respect and Tolerance and to ensure that all students feel welcome, and that they belong at school.
We aim to ensure that all pupils feel safe and happy in school and can learn in a supportive, caring environment without the fear of being bullied. Bullying is an anti-social behaviour; it is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the school.
Aims of the policy
We aim to:
- Ensure that pupils learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment without fear of being bullied - Prevent, reduce and eradicate all forms of bullying - Provide an environment free from all forms of abuse - Have a consistent approach to dealing with any incidents of bullying - Promote a whole school approach where signals and signs are identified, and swift effective action is taken.At St George International School and Preschool, we view bullying as a persistent action taken by one or more children, repeated over time with the deliberate intention of hurting another child, either verbally or physically. St George International School and Preschool has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying by adults or children. Any such incidents will be dealt with promptly and firmly within the levels of understanding of each child about what constitutes bullying.
Incidents of transphobic, homophobic, racist, sexist, cyber, physical or verbal bullying whether it be direct or indirect should be recorded on the Reward and Conduct Manager.
- All governors, teaching and non-teaching staff, students, parents and guardians should have an understanding of what bullying is. - All governors, teaching and non-teaching staff should know what the school policy is on bullying and follow it when bullying is reported. - All students, parents and guardians should know what the school policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying occurs. - To give clear guidelines for effectively dealing with bullying. - To ensure that all members of the school community feel responsible for preventing and combating bullying.What is bullying?
At St. George International School & Preschool, bullying is defined as repeated actions, intentionally carried out to cause harm, offence or injury to another person or group. The policy recognises that it is often difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves. Bullying is often motivated by prejudice. It is bullying if it is done Several Times on Purpose (STOP).
Social and Emotional Bullying
Any actions that impact in a negative way on the social and emotional well-being of another person are considered social and emotional bullying. It may be demonstrated by deliberately causing harm or offence to another person or group of people by using unkind language, teasing, name-calling, taunting or making negative personal comments. Other forms of bullying may include:
- Excluding individuals from conversations, activities or groups - Ridiculing or causing humiliation – either face-to-face, through spreading rumours or inappropriate use of technology - Tormenting others by taking their possessions, hiding books, threatening gestures, and using social media to provoke a reaction.Physical Bullying
It is any form of actual physical violence or threat of violence including intimidation, for example:
- Hitting (including any variation of kicking, slapping, punching, pushing or using an object to have the same effect); - Spitting; - Demanding money or belongings; - Theft of property or possessions; - Intentionally causing damage to property or possessions.Verbal Bullying
- Name-calling, teasing or making offensive remarks; - Tormenting another person.Sexual bullying
This includes any unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments, for example:
- Using sexually explicit words and phrases; - Inappropriate touching; - Using sexual threats or violence; - Forced or exploitative sexual activity; - Sexual harassment; - Upskirting or any such behaviour which causes sexual offence and vulnerability; - Forcing another person to look at sexual body parts.Online bullying and the inappropriate use of social media
It is more commonly known as ‘cyber bullying’ – which is the misuse of technologies or communications to cause harm, injury or offense. For example:
- Mobile threats by text messaging and calls; - Misuse of associated technology, i.e. cameras and video facilities, games consoles; - Students who engage in ‘group chats’ which are created to target an individual with the intention of being unkind or to cause offence; - Sharing of inappropriate material online – including material that is racist, homophobic, sexist, includes extremist content or discriminatory language against people with special needs and disabilities - Sharing inappropriate material of a sexual content (including sexting); - Deliberate attempts to contact staff via social media or use their online profile to harass, intimidate, make threats or cause offence to any member of staff and / or adult; - Using social media to humiliate, harass, intimidate, make threats or cause offence or anxiety to another student.Prejudice-based bullying
Prejudice-based bullying (also known as Identity-based bullying) refers to any form of bullying related to the characteristics, considered unique to a child’s identity. These forms of bullying are not only targeted at an individual but reflect negative attitudes towards a wider sub-community or group to whom that individual identifies with.
Prejudice-based bullying can be separated into 9 characteristics, unique to a child’s identity. These are:
- Race or ethnicity: bullying directed towards an individual which relates to their skin colour, ethnicity, or national identity. Includes racial taunts, graffiti or gestures. - Gender: bullying based around sexist attitudes or sexually inappropriate behaviours, intended to either demean or humiliate an individual because of their sex. - Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic: bullying because of or focusing on the issue of sexuality or gender identity. - Religion or belief: bullying motivated by prejudice against an individual’s perceived or actual religious or spiritual beliefs and practices. - Learning disability/difficulty: Bullying of children who have an impairment which affects the way they learn, understand, socialise and communicate (i.e. speech and language difficulties). - Disability: Bullying of children who have a physical or mental impairment. For example, mobility, visual or hearing impairments, epilepsy, diabetes or a progressive condition such as multiple sclerosis. - Asylum seekers and refugees: because of or focusing on being from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds. - Gypsy, Roma and Traveller: because of or focusing on being a member of a travelling community.What is not bullying?
One-off incidents
Bullying is persistent and repetitive, and generally fits a pattern of behaviour.
However, there will be occasions when a one-off incident is so significant that it causes long-term effects and is therefore categorised as bullying. One example may be extreme public humiliation that deters someone from engaging in discussions or social events.
Mutual conflict
A disagreement, argument or fight in which both parties have equally participated and where there is no imbalance of power. Falling out with friends is not bullying.
Guidance for parents and guardians
St. George International School & Preschool is committed to developing a culture of inclusion, tolerance and respect in order to encourage mutually supportive students at our school.
ALL bullying is unacceptable, regardless of who bullies, how it is delivered or what reasons are given to justify it.
Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Bullying has the potential to damage the emotional wellbeing and mental health of those affected by it, including those who witness this abuse.
We realise that people who are bullied do not always show their hurt and speak about it. If you know someone is being bullied, you must tell a teacher or leave a note in the Bully Box.
Possible signs and symptoms that someone may be experiencing bullying:
1. Changes in routines or behaviours:
- Is frightened of walking to or from school - Doesn’t want to go on the school/public bus - Begs to be driven to school - Changes their usual routine - Is unwilling to go to school (school phobic) - Begins to truant2. Physical Signs
- Comes home with clothes torn or books damaged - Has possessions which are damaged or “go missing” - Has unexplained cuts or bruises - Has lunch or other money continually ‘lost’ - Comes home starving (money/lunch has been stolen) - Stops eating - Asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully). - Gives improbable excuses for any of the above3. Changes in mood or personality
- Becomes withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence - Attempts or threatens suicide or runs away - Cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares - Feels ill in the mornings - Begins to do poorly in school work - Becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable - Is bullying other children or siblings - Is frightened to say what’s wrong - Is afraid to use the internet or mobile phone - Is nervous or jumpy when using their phone or electronic deviceThese signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.
If you suspect your child is being bullied, please report your concern to the Head of respective School immediately so that we can investigate.
It is important that you advise your child not to fight back, it can make it worse. Parents/Guardians must help us ensure we have a culture of tolerance and respect at school by promoting this at home.
Bullying directly impacts on the emotional well-being of students and we will ensure that any reports of bullying are dealt with in accordance with the school’s anti-bullying policy.
Anti-Bullying Ethos
St. George International School & Preschool School aims to tackle bullying by creating an ethos and culture of respect, kindness, and acceptance of difference.
The school will do this by:
- School agreement and code of conduct involve students, parents, guardians and teachers in setting out what we expect of each other as a caring community. - Students and staff are encouraged to live in accordance with the school values and demonstrate them in their daily life. - All students have PSHE lessons which cover bullying and how to deal with it during each school year. - We shall keep students aware of the issue of bullying through assemblies and form tutor time and in lessons whenever it is appropriate. - Taking part in the anti-bullying week. - Staff to follow the equality policy, < welcoming every child to our school. Staff must be careful not to highlight differences between children or an individual child, even if this is done in jest. - Staff will challenge inappropriate and unpleasant comments. - Reports of bullying will be investigated by the school swiftly.Students are expected to:
- Report bullying either to you or when you see it happening to others. Not reporting a bullying incident allows the bully to continue with their bullying behaviour. - Never stand by and watch bullying take place whether it is face to face or online. Do not be a bystander. - Walk away from situations that make you feel uncomfortable and talk to an adult as soon as you can. - Support staff when they investigate incidents by completing an Incident Report form, honestly and quickly, when asked to do so. - Avoid situations on social media where bullying can take place and try to persuade friends to do the same. - Avoid using social media or text messaging when it is used with the intention of causing offence, harm or injury to another person. You must report any incidents in school immediately. - Follow the St. George International School & Preschool code of conduct.Parents and guardians are asked to:
- Work with St. George International School & Preschool staff and make us aware of any issues as soon as they arise. - Monitor student’s social media activity to ensure they are safe online and are not being bullied or using social media inappropriately. - Allow St. George International School & Preschool staff the opportunity to investigate incidents first and not take matters into their own hands. - Follow the school’s complaints procedure if they are unhappy with the outcome of an investigation. Anti-Bullying Procedures Reporting Bullying - StudentsWe want everybody to feel confident to report bullying whenever and wherever it happens.
Students can report any incidents of bullying to any member of staff at St. George International School & Preschool, who then will take the appropriate action.
If you are a victim of bullying or have seen someone being bullied, you can report it in the following ways:
- Bully Box (located at the library) a note can be left in the Bully Box and Heads of School will check this on a regular basis. Notes can be anonymous, but you must provide some details of any incident you think is bullying so it can be investigated properly. - The Class Master should be the first point of contact for most students as they see their Class Master every day. However, we understand that form time is a busy time, and it may not always be possible to speak to a Class Master privately. A separate meeting could be arranged though. - Stage Leaders and Head of respective school – Each student has a Stage Leader or Head of School who students can speak to when staff are not teaching. - Safeguarding Leads – Mr Leo Buckley, Ms Andriana Chomakovska are available to speak to students who are experiencing any personal issues at home and at school. Mr Leo Buckley is based in his office on the 5th Floor. - SEN Team – Many students are supported by the SEN team and there is always someone available to talk to throughout the day in their office. - SMT – The Senior Management Team is dedicated to ensuring that all students feel safe and cared for at St. George International School & Preschool. Students can report any issues directly to a member of the senior team.Reporting bullying – Staff
Members of staff should follow the school’s’ Behaviour policy and record in Reward and Conduct Manager as a Serious Incident any incident of bullying that they observe.
All staff have the responsibility to challenge any unacceptable behaviour including any behaviour that could be defined as ‘bullying’ as set out in the policy.
Staff who have any concerns should make the stage leader/Head of the respective School aware immediately, should record any incident on an Incident Report form, and pass it onto the Head of stage or Head of respective school.
Reporting bullying – Parents & Guardians
Parents and Guardians who have concerns should contact the relevant Stage Leader/Head of School.
Anti-Bullying Process
At our school sanctions are applied fairly, proportionately, consistently, and reasonably, taking account of any SEN or disabilities that students may have, and taking into consideration the needs of vulnerable children.
Step 1
The Incident has been reported to the Stage Leader/Head of the respective School by the student, staff or parent.
If bullying is suspected, an investigation will take place and we will talk to the suspected victim, the suspected bully, and any witnesses. The presence of the school psychologist in these meetings is recommended.
Step 2
The Stage leader/Head of respective School examines all the evidence and decides if the incident should be treated as a one-off incident, a mutual conflict or evidence of bullying (referring to the definition provided in this policy).
If the incident is a one-off or mutual conflict, the Stage Leader/Head of respective School will follow the schools behaviour policy and take appropriate action.
Step 3
If the incident has been recorded as bullying, then the following actions will take place: Parents/Guardians of all involved will be informed that the incident is being dealt with as ‘Bullying’. This will be formally recorded. St. George International School & Preschool will give the most serious consequences according to the Bulgarian Educational Legislation.
Consequences will be issued by the Stage Leader/Head of respective School in line with the school’s behaviour policy. The consequence will be based upon the seriousness of the incident and the level of harm, caused to the victim.
Restorative practice will take place within 1 week of the incident.
Repeated Reports
If the same ‘perpetrator’ is reported to carry out other acts of bullying towards the same or different students, the school will take further action.
Students who are known to be intentionally causing harm, injury, or offence to students at St. George International School & Preschool will be given our most serious consequences according to the Bulgarian Educational Legislation. Actions of the senior leadership will include:
- A formal meeting with parents to review the evidence against the student. - Possible change of students forms and/or teaching groups. - Referral to the SEN team for possible assessment of need & support. - Seclusion during social times of the day. - Support plan to monitor students’ behaviour.Support
St. George International School & Preschool will aim to ensure that support is in place for the victims of bullying, that they are supported with their emotional well-being, to promote positive well-being and the building of resilience.
Whilst we will discipline those that bully others, we will also work with them to offer help with changing their behaviour in a positive direction, with the school psychologist.
Support for staff
Bullying or harassment of staff should be reported to the Head of School or the Governess.
Complaints Procedure
Parents/Guardians are supported to refer to the complaint’s procedure in regard to any issues with the school. Parents/Guardians should make a formal complaint in writing, using the St. George International School & Preschool complaint procedures.
