The anti-bullying policy is part of our School Safety and Protection Policy.
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe school environment for all our students and staff. Any kind of bullying is unacceptable. We conduct workshops with teachers and students about bullying and inform them about the procedures that are in place for bullying and what they can do if they face bullying. We also have anti-bullying messaging around the school as a reminder. If bullying does occur, incidents are dealt with promptly and effectively. Read on to understand what bullying is and what procedures we have in place.
What is bullying?
Bullying is a deliberate, hostile and repeated behaviour by one or more people. It is intended to harm or control others. It is a misuse of power through aggression, not merely a conflict to resolve. Various forms of bullying include emotional, physical, verbal, racist, sexual, homophobic, and cyberbullying. Watch this video to understand what bullying means. BOO the friendly ghost helps us remember what bullying is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDG1-BCZvTE
Bullying usually involves three individuals or groups: the bully, the victim and the bystander (other students watching) Students may think that as long as they are not the bully they’re not hurting anyone, but that’s not true. The bystander plays an important role in a bullying situation.
It is important to respond to bullying because bullying inflicts physical and/or emotional harm, and every individual has the right to be treated with respect and feel safe at school. The bully also needs support and help. It is not a normal part of growing up, and it is crucial to take action against it. What can you do if you are being bullied or you see someone being bullied?
Procedures & Prevention
• For students experiencing bullying:
– Confide in someone you trust
– Remember, you are not the problem
– If possible, ignore the bully and avoid being alone where bullying occurs
– Be assertive and firmly tell the bully to stop
– Avoid responding with violence
– Embrace your differences and take pride in who you are
– Seek help from the school counsellor, a teacher, or the headmistress
– Report incidents truthfully and provide details about the incident
• For friends of students experiencing bullying:
– Listen attentively and offer support
– Encourage your friend to confide in a trusted adult
• For students observing bullying:
– Even witnessing bullying without participation is unacceptable
– Seek help and show empathy towards the student experiencing bullying
• For teachers responding to bullying:
– Listen empathetically
– Involve relevant school authorities if necessary
• For parents of children who are experiencing “bullying”:
– Try and differentiate between teasing and bullying
– Help your child become strong and brave
– Support them in trying to deal with the bully independently
– Teach your child to say “Stop! Don’t talk to me this way!”
– Finally, address concerns through the school rather than directly confronting
other students or parents
• For the child experiencing the need to bully
– Help them change the way they use their power
– Acknowledge their positive behaviours
– Exercise consequences that teach not punish
• For teachers experiencing bullying:
– Seek support from school authorities and report incidents accurately
• For dealing with cyberbullying:
– Adjust privacy settings to enhance online safety
– Refrain from retaliating and keep records of any abusive content
– Utilize blocking and reporting functions
– Seek support from adults and consider involving school authorities
In cases of serious bullying
Apply appropriate disciplinary measures, including detention, parental involvement, and, if necessary, suspension or expulsion.
Steps to Prevent Bullying in School
– Educate all stakeholders about the anti-bullying policy
– Raise awareness through various mediums
– Address underlying causes of bullying proactively
– Implement consequences consistently for bullying behaviour
– Offer counselling to help change bullying behaviour
Acknowledgments:
This policy is based on the following:
1. The booklet developed and designed by the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions, Sindh. School Education and Literacy Department. Government of Sindh
2. The mind-maps made as part of group work at a workshop “Say No to Bullying!” held in school for teachers of Years 6 and 7, in October 2021.