BULLYING OF ANY TYPE IS NOT TOLERATED AT LONGDEAN SCHOOL

WHAT IS BULLYING? Bullying occurs through several types of anti-social behaviour:

• Physical bullying - when someone is deliberately hurt or threatened repeatedly over time.
• Verbal bullying - this takes the form of spreading rumours, "name calling", and may be directed towards gender, sexual orientation, families, ethnic origin, appearance or disability. This includes sending threatening text messages or e-mails.
• Exclusion - when someone is excluded from discussions/activities with those they believe to be their friends.
• Damage to property or theft - when pupils have their property deliberately damaged, hidden or stolen.

The School's Role

• All pupils are asked to sign a Home-School Agreement which states that they should treat all members of the school community with courtesy and respect.
• Bullying is not tolerated, as outlined in both the Code of Conduct and Positive Behaviour Policy.
• Issues associated with bullying are addressed in the PSHCE programme and in all other curriculum areas.
• The school has a student support group, which meets weekly, to work towards resolving bullying and other issues.
• The school offers the services of a qualified counsellor to assist pupils in raising their self-esteem, both bullies and victims.
• All incidents of bullying reported to the school will be dealt with sensitively, fairly, firmly and promptly.
• A record of incidents will be kept in pupils' files (both bullies and victims).
• The school contacts parents and involves other agencies where appropriate.

Parents' Role

• Parents/guardians should discourage their children from using bullying behaviour or retaliation at school, home, or elsewhere.
• Watch out for signs that their child is being bullied or bullying others.
• Contact the school if they are concerned that their child is being bullied or bullying others.
• Work together with the school to resolve issues associated with their child and to accept advice.

Pupils' Role

• All incidents of bullying must be reported to a member of staff and will be investigated.
• Do not bully anyone. Do not retaliate or involve other members of the family e.g. older siblings.
• Treat all members of the school community with courtesy and respect.

Bullying  can be prevented if all members of the school work together & show support & respect for each other.