Bullying and Harrasment Policy

RATIONALE:
All members of the school community have the right to work in a safe and supportive environment free from all forms of harassment and bullying. Our school is committed to ensuring a caring learning environment which promotes personal growth and positive self-esteem for all. Bullying and harassment of individuals and groups of students is inappropriate and will not be accepted.  Schools and communities need to be proactive in eliminating such practices.Research has illustrated that the effects of bullying can be both long and short term on children.  These consequences include:

• Loss of self-esteem and confidence
• Depression
• Poor academic performances, and in extreme cases,

Research has also shown that 1 in 4 children is affected by bullying – either as a victim or as a bully. At Beaufort Secondary College we accept that bullying or harassment occurs in all Primary and Secondary Schools.  We also acknowledge that schools can make a difference by implementing programs to prevent bullying by improving social skills, interpersonal relationships and self-esteem.

• Bullying or Harassment will not be tolerated at this school.

What is bullying or harassment?
Bullying is an abuse of power. It is an act of aggression causing embarrassment, pain or discomfort to another. It is usually, but not necessarily a series of events or incidents.

Types of bullying/harassment:

• Physical
• Verbal
• Sexual
• Exclusion
• Interference
• Written
• Urging or encouraging others to behave in any of the above ways
• Through the use of mobile phones, emails, websites, chat rooms and other communications technology

AIMS:

• To ensure that people feel safe
• To encourage the development of a school ethos which discourages bullying behaviour through the support of students, parents and staff
• To deal with all incidents of bullying or harassment promptly and confidentially
• To communicate and consistently reinforce clear standards of behaviour
• To monitor the schoolyard closely (document incidents)
• To record incidents to compare and contrast annual data (computer)
• To provide opportunities for children to discuss bullying
• To provide support, counselling and protection for victims
• To ensure teachers attend appropriate professional development activities to increase their knowledge and skills to deal with prevention, intervention and post-vention of bullying or harassment

Implementation:
The Assistant Principal/Student Wellbeing and Engagement Leader is responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating the operation of this policy together with the year level co-ordinators, however ALL staff are responsible for the implementation of the policy.

This policy supports and complements the Student Engagement policy. The Student Wellbeing and Engagement Leader will ensure that all members of the College community are made aware of the policy.

Students need to be encouraged to speak up about bullying. A climate of ‘Standing up for oneself’ needs to be promoted.

Our school appreciates parents making contact with us if they have a concern about bullying and encourages parents to talk to their children about this issue.

Staff and students should be aware of the need to conduct themselves in such a manner as to present a positive role model to the school community at all times.

Procedures:
All staff should be prepared to deal with incidents of bullying – whether it be in their class or on yard duty. It is important in the development of the school culture that all staff members have a role in the prevention of bullying.

Step 1 – Student to report the incident to the classroom teacher or any trusted teacher (the student may feel more comfortable if a friend can speak to the teacher as well)

Step 2 – Teacher records the incident and investigate the complaint

Step 3 – Teacher meets with bully to discuss their behaviour with them. The Year Level Coordinator or Assistant Principal may need to be involved at this stage depending on the circumstances. This meting should take place privately, with time for discussion. Teachers should counsel the offending student with the aim of assisting them to recognise their behaviour is a form of bullying or harassment with hurtful consequences. Appropriate disciplinary consequences should be implemented if appropriate. Sometimes it helps in conciliation if both parties can meet together with the assistance of a teacher.

Step 4 – Discuss with the victim how the incident was dealt with, and emphasise the need to immediately report any reprisals should they occur. Ongoing support may need to be provided.

Step 5 – If the bullying continues, then the Year Level Coordinators and the Assistant Principal/Student Welfare Coordinator need to become involved in resolving the problem.

Further incidents of bullying by a student will result in increased consequences, but may also lead to counselling or referral.

Staff and Parents
Any staff member or parent who feels they have been bullied should contact the Assistant Principal or Principal.

Evaluation:
Successful implementation of this policy will be evident from:

• Student Satisfaction Survey results.
• Analysis of Incidents Register entries.

This policy was last ratified by School Council in….       December 2020