Anti-bullying policy

Introduction

It is commonly recognised that bullying is a form of cruelty to children. It is unacceptable at MA Institute. It is important to recognise that although bullying does happen we must seek to nurture a culture in which pupils are valued as people; a culture where bullying, when it occurs, is dealt with in a firm, sensitive and caring way.

Bullying is intentionally harmful behaviour, carried out by an individual or a group that is repetitive wilful or persistent. It creates an imbalance of power that leaves the victim feeling defenceless.

Emotional bullying is when a victim is taunted, mocked excluded from groups or the subject of hurtful and untruthful gossip and rumours. Often he who engages in this form of behaviour does not consider it to be bullying, but considers it to be "a joke". If the victim does not find teasing or taunting funny then it is not.

Physical bullying should not be seen merely in terms of a pupil being physically assaulted. It can include damage done to the victim's property, clothing or school work. Bullying can be both mental and physical as, for example, when a group of pupils gangs up against an individual or isolates him.

It is important to note that what might appear to be a bullying incident could be a straightforward fight and should be treated as such.

Why do bullies bully?

A bully often comes from a background in which bullying is considered to be "normal" in some way. He may believe that he can get the respect of his peers by bullying. He is often inadequate, unhappy and insecure. Frequently the only means by which he can feel superior is to dominate those whom he perceives to be weak. The bully may need help. Research suggests that to regard bullying as a straightforward discipline problem is no longer acceptable. Pre-emptive discipline could make the problem worse. It could reinforce the bully's perception of his esteem among his peer group, and exacerbate his and their antagonism towards the victim. It is important that a bully is helped to see the hurt he inflicts on his victims and made to understand that his behaviour cannot be tolerated. In the long term if a bully is able to get away with his bullying he is likely to continue to bully in later life.

Who gets bullied?

It is important to state that anyone can be bullied but that no one deserves to be bullied. Whatever the reason, a victim must be helped and protected. He needs to be assisted to develop the personal resources he needs in order to overcome the difficulties he is facing.

Counselling
Both the victim and the bully will need to be counselled, sometimes individually and sometimes together. Evidence suggests that when the problem is tackled in this way a mutual understanding and empathy can develop. The victim must be helped to see that it is not his fault that he is being bullied. He must be assured that he is safe and that someone is dealing with his problem. Moreover the bully must be made to see the antisocial nature of his behaviour and appreciate the hurt he is causing.

What can MAI do?

1) Create an Ethos of Respect

(a) Our ethos must be one in which all pupils are valued not only by the teaching staff but also by their peers.

(b) The way in which staff treat pupils and each other must reflect this ethos. Pupils should not be humiliated and made to feel inadequate.

2) The staff must be vigilant and observant.

(a) The School should be properly patrolled during break and lunch periods.

(b) At least one member of staff should be regularly present in each of the Year premises during those periods.

(d) It is the responsibility of all staff to draw the attention of the Year Head or Deputy Head to a pupil over whom problems may be sensed.

3) Create a Be Prepared to Tell Culture

In order to combat the culture of silence, a culture of being prepared to tell should be encouraged. This can be done in a number of ways. The Headmaster in his address to newly arrived pupils will emphasize that any pupil being bullied should speak to his Year Head or to the Chaplain about it. Serious consideration will be given to the topic within the framework of peer group pressure in Religious, Personal and Social Education. Training of school prefects will also address the problem of bullying and encourage the culture of being prepared to tell. Assemblies will, from time to time, focus upon it. All in all, there must be communicated an emphasis that not only is it right to tell, it is important to do so.

Conclusion

The school has established pastoral procedures. Pupils, having been encouraged to speak out about bullying, must be counselled as must the bullies. This is not something that an individual teacher can do by himself. The pupil's Year Head and, if thought appropriate, the Chaplain should be consulted. It must be stressed that teamwork among colleagues will achieve the best results.

Bullying is not acceptable in MAI and it is important that all staff and pupils know this and that a culture is established which says just that.