Scoil Naomh Sheosaimh

Anti-Bullying Policy

This policy concerns our whole school community- pupils, parents, teachers and Board of Management.
In our school it is expected that all members of our community treat each other with respect and communicate with each other in an honest, polite and friendly manner.

Scoil Naomh Sheosaimh is a happy place where every child's self-esteem is cherished and promoted. All members of our school community have a responsibility to protect and enhance this safe ,enjoyable environment where every child is valued equally and where children and teachers can work in a happy,healthy and friendly school.

Instances of bullying should be reported and recorded. It is important for children to know that this should not be regarded as telling tales but as displaying good sense, responsibility and respect for themselves and others.

Aims:

To make it very clear that bullying , in any form and at any level -Board of Management, parents, school staff or pupils ,is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

To establish a safe and friendly school environment in which children are encouraged to talk openly about bullying incidents.

To establish a process for investigating and dealing with bullying incidences.

What is bullying?

The definition of bullying is repeated aggression , be it verbal, psychological or physical, which is conducted by an individual or group against others . It is behaviour which is intentionally aggravating and intimidating. Bullying can take many different forms;

• physical aggression
• damage to property (uniform/ books/ bicycle/ schoolbag stolen or damaged
• exclusion
• extortion
• intimidation
• mocking/teasing/taunting/threatening
• malicious texting or phoning

Once-off incidents of aggressive behaviour may not always constitute bullying.

Possible indications of bullying

• Refusal to go or anxiety about attending school.
• Deterioration in educational performance.
• Withdrawn behaviour or loss of confidence
• Possessions missing or damaged.
• Fear of going outside at breaktime.
• Unexplained changes in mood or behaviour.
• Visible signs of anxiety or distress.
• Patterns of physical illness.
• Increased requests for money.
• Unexplained bruising or torn clothing.
• Reluctance to say what is troubling him/her.

Procedures for noting and reporting bullying

1. If parents have concerns about their child being bullied or if a child feels that he/she is being bullied or knows of a child being bullied they are encouraged to inform the class teacher.
2. Every effort will be made to resolve the conflict. Children's behaviour will be observed in the yard and in the class.
3. The teacher will make a note of all reports of bullying he/she deems credible and should investigate and discuss all incidents.
4. The Principal will be informed of all cases of bullying immediately.
5. Parents of those involved will be notified and given an opportunity to discuss the matter.
6. A record will be kept of the incidents and the outcome of the matter.
7. When the class moves on, the next teacher will be informed of any problems that existed.

Procedures for investigating and dealing with bullying.

1. A calm ,unemotional problem- solving approach is always advised.
2. Incidents are best investigated outside the classroom situation.
3. Teachers will speak separately to the children involved to hear both sides of a story.
4. An appointment will be made with the parents as soon as it can be arranged. Parents will be informed of the incidents in order to help all children involved and to ensure an end to the unacceptable behaviour.
5. All involved will be given a chance to listen to and discuss the situation as well as to accept responsibility for their actions and the hurt caused, apologise for the behaviour and then the matter can be concluded. In some cases it may not be possible to resolve the cause of this behaviour. In these matters , it will be made clear to parents that continued bullying behaviour will not be accepted and is contrary to the
the ethos of our school. The assistance of the school psychologist(N.E.P.S.) may be offered.
6. In a case where bullying has occcured and has been dealt with ,the situation will be monitored and the school will check with the parents of the child bullied at a later date to ensure that no difficulties have arisen.
7. In extreme cases and/ if the bullying persists the matter will be brought to the attention of the Board of Management. The Board have ratified this policy and as is clearly outlined in the school Code of Behaviour and Discipline no form of bullying will be accepted in the school.
8. It may be necessary to enlist the help of the Gardaí and / the H.S.E.

Additional information

• A day of action ,Anti-Bullying Day, is held annually. On this day lessons, circle time, art, poetry, drama and discussion all focus on the importance of friendship and respect for others . All children are equipped with strategies for dealing with bullying behaviour and are taught the importance of telling parents or teachers if affected by bullying. Information is also given to their parents and all families are advised to further implement this classwork by discussion in the home.

• The school implements the Stay Safe programme in accordance with our Social, Personal & Health Education policy.

• In their work in school the teachers accept the Code of Professional Conduct issued by the Teaching Council ,2007.

• New teachers receive induction on the contents of this policy.

• It is intended that this policy be read in conjunction with the Code of Behaviour and Discipline.

• A copy of this policy was given to all parents at a meeting in September 2006 and to all parents new to the school from that date onwards.