Aim
The aim of this policy is to ensure that staff, parents and students of Mitcham Primary School work together to create a respectful and productive learning community that supports the rights of all students to learn and all teachers to teach.
Definition
Bullying is hurting another person or group who is less powerful either physically or psychologically.
Bullying behaviour is deliberate, unwelcome, uninvited and often repeated
Bullying involves behaviour which is physical, verbal, psychological or social / relational
Cyber bullying refers to bullying through information and communication technologies
*Conflict or fights between equals and single incidents are not defined as bullying.
*Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved including bystanders.
Objectives
To protect the emotional and physical well-being of students and staff
To provide a safe and supportive learning and teaching environment
To have wellbeing and resilience programs in place to assist our students with social problem solving and managing grievances
To link anti-bullying strategies with school’s grievance procedure and school behaviour code
To develop a positive bystander code to assist students in understanding their individual and collective responsibility
Roles and Responsibilities
Students should:
If a student feels that they are being bullied, or has witnessed bullying behaviour as bystander, they should:
Tell the person that they are being a bully and to stop the behaviour
Support the person who is being bullied and request help from a teacher at the time of the incident
Report behaviour to class teacher or other staff member
Not bully others
Be aware that if students have witnessed bullying behaviour as a bystander and do nothing, there may be consequences for their behaviour
Members of staff should:
When a staff member witnesses a bullying incident or is notified of a bullying incident by a student they should:
Listen and provide support to the target of the bullying by acknowledging the nature and seriousness of bullying behaviour
Find out the background and attempt to resolve the incident
Refer the incident to the appropriate leadership team member if follow up is required or contact parents to inform
Model appropriate behaviours at all times
Implement curriculum that supports social education and student well-being
Use Restorative Justice Practices
Members of the school’s leadership team should:
Provide support to targets of bullying
Provide support for bullies (i.e. anger management etc)
Ensuring the school anti-bullying policy is implemented consistently throughout the school
Make contact with parents regarding bullying incidents as required
Encourage students to continue to report incidents of bullying behaviour
Disseminate information regarding the school’s anti-bullying policy, procedures and curriculum
Parents and caregivers and the wider community should:
Watch for signs that your child may be being bullied
Encourage students to report any incidences of bullying
Contact the school if you are aware that any child is being bullied
Encourage child to become emotionally resilient
Support anti-bullying curriculum covered at school
Contact the school for further information re: support available
Resources
Australia’s safe and supportive schools website: http://www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/
DECD School Discipline Policy: http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/docs/documents/1/SchoolDisciplinePolicy.pdf
Cyber Safety: http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/
Kids Helpline – Bullying: http://www.kidshelp.com.au/kids/information/hot-topics/bullying_1.php
Kids Helpline – Internet safety: http://www.kidshelp.com.au/grownups/getting-help/who-else-can-help/helpful-links/internet-safety.php
Kids Helpline – parent line: http://www.kidshelp.com.au/grownups/getting-help/who-else-can-help/parentline.php
Policy update and review
The school council and staff regularly monitor and review the effectiveness of the Anti-Bullying Policy (at least every three years) and revise the policy when required.
Policy last reviewed May 2020. Next review May 2023.
