Children Safeguarding Conference Presentation by Jed Din BHCA Byron Francis BHCA Charles Dacres BMDC

Cracking the code of Hate Harassment, Bullying, Hate Impact Consequences ?

Harassment, bullying and hate in context of schools “Ignorance leads to fear, fear leads to hate, hate leads to violence” (Averroes 1126- 1198). What is Harassment ? What is Bullying ? What is a hate incident ? What is a hate crime?

Harassment Harassment is any unwelcome comments (written or spoken) or conduct which: violates an individual's dignity; and/or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. It can involve verbal abuse and name calling, offensive graffiti or post and can be received via text message, emails or social networking sites. It may cause physical injury, mental stress, anxiety, or insecurity. (true vision)

Bullying Bullying is the use of force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively dominate others. The behaviour is often repeated and habitual. One essential prerequisite is the perception, by the bully or by others, of an imbalance of social or physical power.  Bullying in schools can often include elements of behaviour which could be considered Hate Crimes or Hate Incidents. Unintentionally and Unwittingly young people could be committing Hate Crimes by their actions

Examples being called names? being pushed, hassled or threatened? being beaten up, spat at or kicked? having your things taken or damaged? being made fun of or called names by anyone? If the answer is Yes, that is bullying. This includes any name-calling or threats received via text message, emails or social networking sites. (NSPCC)

Impact on Students who are Bullied Students who are bullied / harassed are more likely to: Feel disconnected from the school and not like school Have lower academic outcomes, including lower attendance. Lack quality friendships at school Display high levels of emotions that indicate vulnerability. Have low self esteem , may self harm Suffer depression, anxiety, feelings of loneliness and isolation Feel wary or suspicious of others Have an increased risk of depression and substance misuses

Some Facts and Figures 44% of suicides in the UK are a result of bullying 20% of secondary school students say that they have considered suicide within the last 12 months 70% of all young people have experienced some form of bullying As many as 1 million young people are bullied every week, inside and outside of school

Hate incident defined Hate incident and/or crime is any offence committed because a person is seen to be different because of their: Disability Gender or gender identity Race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins Religion Sexual orientation Alternative Sub Cultures

Hate crime defined Any criminal offence, which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s actual or perceived race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. In law Hate itself is not a crime. it is an aggravating factor in an offence that if proven, the court can uplift the sentence by 50%

On line threat to young people the new challenge Cyberbullying definition - Common form of bullying behaviour on line which happens on social networks, games and mobile phones. Cyberbullying can include spreading rumours about someone, or posting nasty or embarrassing messages, images or videos

Perpetrator online activity sending threatening or abusive text messages creating and sharing embarrassing images 'trolling' - the sending of menacing or upsetting messages excluding children activities or friendship groups setting up hate sites about a particular child creating fake accounts to embarrass a young person sending explicit messages (sexting) pressuring children into sending sexual images.

Taking action Policy culturally embedded. Trained staff and students. Student and teacher champions. Responsibility of all staff and students. Creating a safe learning environment. identifying pupils who are suffering or at risk ensuring children are safe at home and at school. Leadership setting the culture.

Making Policy Work Anti-bullying Policy. Behaviour Policy. Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. Code of Conduct. Charter Pledge agreed and signed by all. FIRM COMMITMENT REGULAR TRAINING AND EMBEDDING IN CULTURE OF SCHOOL

The Law We don’t want to criminalise young people However – the statute to tackle on line cybercrimes are - Education Law: The Education and Inspections Act 2006 gives powers which relate directly to cyberbullying. Head teachers have the power ‘to such an extent as is reasonable’ to regulate the conduct of pupils when they are off the school site. The Act also provides a defence for staff in confiscating items such as mobile phones from pupils

Criminal Law Civil and Criminal Law There isn’t a specific law which makes cyberbullying illegal but it can be considered a criminal offence under - Protection from Harassment Act (1997), Malicious Communications Act (1988), Communications Act (2003) Obscene Publications Act (1959) and Computer Misuse Act (1990).

Further help Bradford Hate Crime Alliance (training) www.thinkyou.know.co.uk/parents www.saferinternet.org.uk www.childnet.com www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk www.nspcc.org.uk www.cyberangels.org Digizen