Anti-Bullying Policy

Rossbourne School recognises diversity and values individual differences in its students. We strive to work together in a positive learning environment where tolerance of others is promoted.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is an act of aggression that is intended to hurt, threaten or embarrass another person and is repeated over time.

  • It may be physical, verbal, gestured or an act causing distress.
  • It may be planned or unintentional.
  • Individuals or groups may be involved.

What constitutes harassment or bullying?
There are many forms of harassment, or bullying:

Physical
Includes fighting, rude gestures, spitting, throwing objects, invasion of person space, inappropriate or suggestive touching of another person.

Verbal
Includes names calling, offensive language, putting people down, spreading rumours, phone or internet abuse.

Victimisation
Includes threats, stand over tactics, offensive notes, repeated exclusion, extortion, and interfering with others property.

Sexual Harassment
Includes making suggestive comments and gestures, sexually orientated jokes and unwelcome contact.

Passive Harassment
Circling or staring at others

Electronic Harassment
By email, sms, msn, chat rooms etc. If this occurs outside school, parents must assume responsibility.

THE STUDENT

What can the student do if they feel they are being bullied?

  • Be aware of your right to be safe and feel safe.
  • Tell the person to STOP and that you don't like it, then move away.
  • Have the courage to speak out. This may help others.
  • Report the incident to your classroom teacher or any other member of staff.
  • Try to be part of a group, rather than on your own.

What should I do if I see an incident?

Onlookers can:

  1. Speak-up. Support the person.
  2. Report the incident.
  3. Encourage the person to report the incident.
  4. Be willing to act as a witness.

 

THE STAFF

What is required of the staff?

  • Be a role model in word and action at all times.
  • Be observant in spotting signs of distress and act early to reduce escalation of bullying incidents.
  • Make efforts to remove occasions for bullying by active supervision.

 

THE PARENT

  • The School recommends that parents be aware of the following signs of distress in their child:
  • Unwillingness to attend school, a change in eating or sleeping habits, a pattern of physical ailments - headaches, stomach aches, damaged or missing possessions.
  • Report any concerns immediately.

What is the process then?

Aim: To find a way to co-exist, not to fact find or assign blame.

  1. Suspected incidents will be reported to the appropriate Staff Member, Principal.
  2. All parties involved, including bystanders will be interviewed.
  3. An appropriate course of action will be discussed separately with each person.

The incident and interview will be documented and may be discussed with parents/guardians.

For serious or repeated incidents

  1. Repeating offenders will meet with the Principal.
  2. Parent - Principal conferencing.
  3. Specific withdrawal from Class/School attendance.

Disciplinary action is at the discretion of the Principal. This may include suspension or further counseling. In extreme circumstances or a students/s continues failure to abide by School Rules may cause the student to be withdrawn.