Bullying Policy School Policies Produced as part of the Partnership Development Schools (PDS) Strategy Phase (Lead PDS: The Park Community School. Contact Chris Ley

Below are some ways children and young people have described bullying: Being called names. Being teased being pushed or pulled about. Having money and other possessions taken or messed about with. Having rumours spread about you. Being ignored and left out. Being hit, kicked or physically hurt in any way. Being threatened or intimidated.

While some consider bullying to be part of a natural toughening-up process that is beneficial in our competitive society, research is showing that experiencing repeated bullying is associated with negative school outcomes such as absenteeism and poor academic performance. Additionally, excessive teasing has been related to depression, social anxiety, decreased self-esteem, anger, and sadness. It is compulsory for schools to have measures in place to encourage good behaviour and respect for others on the part of pupils. Head teachers must by law have a policy to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils.

 The Anti-Bullying Charter provides a framework for considering what should go into a school's bullying policy. [refer to Fact or Activities sheet]

Engaging pupils in developing the bullying policy is a vital part of the process and can be done by: Focus groups and face-to-face discussions with small groups of children and young people, particularly through school councils. PSHEE or Citizenship curriculum through which the class could address bullying as a class project Interactive websites. Written questionnaires and feedback forms, which provide ideal opportunities to find out about children and young people's understanding and perceptions of bullying. [cont…]

Art, posters, drama and interactive exercises. DVDs and CDs. Mindmapping sessions to explore issues of bullying.

Sources for information, advice and guidance on anti bullying issues include: