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Anti-Bullying Policy: Pupils' Leaflet
1

Definition of Bullying

Bullying occurs when a person is made unhappy by one or more other people. It can take several forms:

  • verbal as in name calling, personal comments, racial abuse
  • social as in not being spoken to or being left out of activities
  • material as when possessions are stolen or damaged or extortion takes place
  • mental as when pressure to conform is applied physical as in physical assault

Bullying is not the same thing as a disagreement between two people. Bullying is:

  • systematic and ongoing rather than one off
  • done by the more powerful to the less rather than between equals
  • distressing and hurtful to the victim rather than good natured fun
  • always one way rather than an exchange
2

Anti-Bullying Code

Bullying will not be tolerated in Ardrossan Academy. It is not an acceptable part of growing up.

Every pupil has the right to enjoy learning and leisure free from intimidation.

Pupils should support each other by reporting all instances of bullying.

Bullying is too important not to report.

Reports of bullying will be taken seriously and appropriate action will be taken.
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Reporting Bullying

Pupils can report bullying to any member of staff or senior pupil involved in buddying.

In particular, pupils should report bullying to their Guidance Teacher.

If they prefer, pupils can do this via a Bully Box located in the duplicating room.

If the bullying persists, pupils should report it again.

Pupils seeing others being bullied should report it.

When bullying is reported, appropriate action will follow either on the day or the next school day
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Responses of Staff

Everyone in the school should be aware of the indications of potential bullying and should act in response to these referrals of information to Guidance do not preclude individual staff from taking action.

All staff should ensure that bullying or threatening behaviour is not tolerated in school.

All staff should respond to bullying in the first instance by :

  • listening to the victim
  • reassuring the victim
  • continuing to offer help, advice and support to the victim

In responding to incidents of bullying all staff should take action when bullying is reported by:

  • taking action as quickly as possible
  • considering whether action should be public or private
  • making it clear to the bully that such behaviour is not acceptable
  • establishing whether or not the incident is part of a pattern
  • encouraging the bully to see the victims point of view
  • explaining why a punishment (if any) is given
  • sharing information with other members of staff and in particular Guidance staff
  • Guidance staff informing parents if appropriate
5

Anti-Bullying Strategies

A Classroom Ethos Which Promotes Respect for the Individual.

Adults setting an example by practising basic good manners.

Classroom rules which outlaw anti-social behaviour.

Vigilance by all adults and pupils in the school.

Discipline policy implemented by all staff.

Discipline

  • within the school, it is made clear that bullying will not be tolerated
  • sanctions used take into account the severity of the bullying
  • bullying behaviour is confronted clearly and pursued beyond the mere application of sanctions
  • pupils who persist in bullying, despite counselling and support, are excluded from the school

Support for Pupils

All pupils in S1 to S4 are issued with a copy of the school's 'No Bullying in our School' leaflet. This outlines our policy and procedures and is discussed as part of the anti-bullying insert in our Social Education programme.

In addition, opportunities are sought in subjects like Religious and Moral Education, Expressive Arts and Languages to promote anti-bullying attitudes.

Pupils involved in bullying or threatening behaviour, either as a victim or bully are supported in order to overcome their problems intervention acknowledges the distress of bullied children and gives reassurance that they are not to blame all incidents are treated seriously by listening to and reassuring the victim.

Counselling takes into account the type of pupil e.g. timidity

Willingness to take action is shown and action is taken when bullying is reported.

The buddying system for S1 pupils facilitates the reporting of bullying to senior pupils who will act appropriately and pass information on to guidance staff.

Liaison with associated primary schools identifies potential bullies and highlights school policy on bullying to all concerned.

A safe area is made available by guidance staff for pupils who are concerned about possible bullying.

During interval and lunch breaks the Head Teacher and Depute Head Teacher supervise playground areas whilst other staff supervise the dining areas.

Pupils can report bullying to any member of staff .

New pupils are made aware of the schools anti-bullying strategies as appropriate.

Support for Staff

  • A copy of the schools anti-bullying policy is in the staff handbook.
  • SMT and Guidance support staff in effecting anti-bullying strategies
  • All new members of staff are made aware of the schools anti-bullying policy

Support for Parents

Parents of incoming S1 pupils are informed of school policy and procedures at the P7 liaison evenings and open evening.

All parents are encouraged to view the anti-bullying policy in full by appointment with the school librarian.

Incidents of bullying reported by parents are treated in the same way as those reported by pupils
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Raising Awareness of Anti-bullying

All strategies outlined above have the consequence of raising the awareness of the unacceptable nature of bullying in and around the school.

Care is taken to maintain a high profile for anti-bullying measures in order to remain vigilant anti-bullying strategy features periodically in the schools newsletters to parents.

Bullying is periodically addressed at morning assemblies to highlight school policy and procedures.

Anti-bullying posters are on display throughout the school.
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Monitoring and Evaluation

Anti-bullying measures are a regular item on Plenary and Guidance agendas to discuss the nature, frequency and suitability of action taken in response to reported incidents of bullying.

Bullying is discussed regularly at pupil council meetings.

Bullying incidents and action taken are recorded by year group guidance staff as a matter of course.

The Head Teacher reports annually to the school board on the monitoring of the anti-bullying policy.

Updated copies of this anti-bullying policy are lodged with the Director of Education as changes occur.