ANTI-BULLYING CHARTER

INTRODUCTION

Every child has a right to enjoy her learning and leisure free from bullying.

Our school community will NOT tolerate bullying of any nature.

We are a TELLING school:

  • Bullying is too serious not to report.
  • Bullying will be dealt with seriously.

Students should support each other by reporting all instances of bullying.

There is no such thing as an innocent bystander. Bystanders who witness acts of bullying have a duty to report to a responsible adult.

WHAT IS BULLYING?

Bullying is repeated destructive, aggressive behaviour, which can be verbal, psychological or physical conducted by an individual or a group of individuals against others.

EXAMPLES OF BULLYING

  • Using offensive names, teasing or spreading rumours about others or their families.

  •   Making degrading comments about another’s culture, religion, family, race, sexuality or appearance – either orally, written of through text messages.

  •   Any form of physical violence such as hitting, shoving, pinching or tripping.

  •   Interfering with another’s property by stealing, hiding, damaging or destroying it.

  • Threatening by means of aggressive body language or tone of voice.

  •   Mocking, humiliating, taunting, and pointing.

  •   Isolating another by leaving her out of a group or activity.

WHAT WE DO TO PREVENT BULLYING AT OUR SCHOOL

  • We educate through formal coordinated programme at the beginning of each school year in the Pastoral Care/SPHE class. Dates of programme to be decided annually by the Principal at the beginning of the school year.

  •   We reinforce this programme through out the year with a cross curricular approach.

  •   Where necessary we offer specific support to both individuals and classes.

  • We are a listening school. We take any reports seriously and we act immediately. This clear message helps prevent other incidences of bullying.

  • Special care is given to our First Year students through the Meitheal programme.

PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH BULLYING

  • oStudents report the incident to any teacher who will pass the concern to the tutor and/or year head.
  • Tutor and/or year head will talk to the student being bullied and take account.
  • Tutor and/or year head will speak to the student who is accused of the bullying and take account.
  • Where appropriate, bring the two students together in a “no blame approach” where it is pointed out that the behaviour is unacceptable and must stop.
  • If the incident is deemed to be a specific bullying incident, the bully will be asked to take responsibility for her behaviour and make amends. The commitment will be monitored.
  • If there is no improvement in the situation the matter will be referred to the Deputy Principal who will investigate further, meet parents and impose sanctions.
  • If the problem persist the matter will be referred to the Principal, who following consultation, will take any necessary action which may include suspension and/or referral to the Board of Management.
  • A situation, which is deemed to be very serious, will be brought to the immediate attention of the Principal.
  • Our anti-bullying policy aims to ensure that every student’s right to enjoy her learning and leisure, free from bullying is protected and its success depends on greater awareness among students, parents and staff.
October 2003