Bullying What to do?

What is bullying? Bullying takes many forms. These children are small but their definitions are great. Often students explain this behaviour by stating “we are mucking about” or “we are mates, they don’t mind”. Any behaviour that makes someone feel uncomfortable about being at school, or near you is bullying. Remember that everyone involved needs to see the joke for it to be funny.

What should I do? First: try and simply tell the person how you feel: “When you (insert the behaviour) it makes me feel (insert your feelings) and I would like you to stop.” If that does not work go to the front office and collect a bullying report form. Fill it in - this is a good time to chat to your parents about this. You can nominate any teacher to help you with this. Think about someone with whom you feel comfortable. Name as many people as you can that are involved - they are not going to get into trouble unless they refuse to understand your feelings. Hand it in at the Front Office.

What staff will do The Office Staff will give the forms to Mrs Spinner each day. She will talk to your nominated support teacher and arrange a time for them to interview the people involved. They will interview the people you have named first - you will be interviewed last. These interviews are about creating empathy for the ways you may be feeling at school - not blaming anyone and certainly not accusing anyone of anything.

What if it doesn’t stop? You will have two more meetings with the teacher that you nominated - one on your own after a week and one group meeting. At the end of that process if the behaviour continues you need to come back to the teacher and report it. Be really specific - at this stage your nominated teacher will have a conversation with Mrs Spinner, who will take the matter up with the Deputy Principal responsible for your year group. Action after that will be determined by the Deputy Principal.