Anti-bullying Policy

School Policy for countering Bullying Behaviour

Our school defines bullying as repeated aggression whether it is verbal, psychological or physical, which is conducted by an individual or a group against others.

It is behaviour which is intentionally aggravating and intimidating. It includes behaviour such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting, exclusion or extortion by one or more pupils against a victim.

Isolated incidents of aggressive behaviour, while not to be condoned, is not described as bullying. When the behaviour is systematic and ongoing it is bullying.

Indications of bullying

  1. Anxiety about attending school.
  2. Unwillingness to go to school. Poor attendance.
  3. Deterioration in educational performance.
  4. Pattern of physical illness.
  5. Unexplained changes in mood or behaviour.
  6. Visible signs of anxiety or distress.
  7. Possessions missing.
  8. Increased requests for money.
  9. Unexplained bruising.
  10. Reluctance to say what is troubling him/her.

These signs do not necessarily mean a pupil is being bullied. If repeated or occuring in combination they do warrant investigation in order to establish what is affecting the pupil.

Prevention of Bullying:

Policy is active in the school. The school acts to prevent bullying and not merely dealing

Dealing with bullying incidents.

Communicate policy that bullying will not be tolerated to pupils parents or staff.

Encourage children to feel comfortable to disclose and tell someone immediately.

Complaints of bullying taken seriously.

Adequate and careful supervision of pupils.

Use of curriculum to promote awareness. Eg. Stay Safe Programme. Discussion, Debate, Art work.

All opportunities availed of to promote a school climate of respect and consideration for others.

Encourage help of parents, who should discuss any problem with teacher at an early stage.

Procedures for noting and reporting incidents.

  1. If parents have concerns about their child being bullied they should inform the class teacher.
  2. Reports of bullying either from parents or Staff members should be recorded. The teacher should investigate and act appropriately. If the teacher suspects that bullying occurred the Principal/Deputy Principal should be informed.
  3. Parents of those involved should be notified and given an opportunity to discuss the matter by the Teacher.
  4. It should be made clear that children reporting incidents of bullying are acting responsibly.
  5. A record should be kept of how the matter was handled and the outcome. When the class moves on the succeeding teacher should be informed of any problems that existed.

Procedures for investigating and dealing with bullying.

  1. Calm, unemotional, problem solving approach.
  2. Incidents are best investigated outside of the classroom situation.
  3. Teachers should speak separately to the children involved.
  4. Members of a gang should be met separately and as a group.
  5. Parents should be informed where it has been determined that bullying has occurred.
  6. Check with the child/parents of the child bullied later to check that no further difficulties have arisen.

The above has been ratified by the Board of Management, Scoil Cholmcille SNS, Donaghmede, 19611K

Signed: _________________________________

Chairperson, Board of Management

Date: _________________________________

To be Reviewed: _________________________________