BUCKHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL Anti-Bullying Policy

BUCKHAVEN HIGH SCHOOLAnti-Bullying PolicyPolicy StatementFife Council Education Service will not tolerate any form of bullying in itsestablishments. We believe that pupils and staff have the right to learn and work in asafe and caring environment which promotes personal growth and self-esteem for all.The Education Service’s approach to anti-bullying is set within the wider strategy ofdeveloping a positive ethos and approach to behaviour and discipline in schools, ofencouraging the personal and social development of pupils and within the role of theschool in supporting care and welfare. It is important that all staff, pupils and parentsplay an active role in the maintenance of the school’s anti-bullying policy.Aims To make public the message that bullying of any kind is unacceptable. To ensure that staff, pupils and parents are aware of the types of behaviourwhich constitute bullying. To provide guidelines to deal with bullying in an effective way. To minimise occurrences of bullying at Buckhaven High School.Definition of BullyingBullying is behaviour causing embarrassment, pain or discomfort to another;it can take many forms: physical, verbal gestures, extortion and exclusion. It isan abuse of power. It can be planned and organised or may be unintentional;individuals or groups may be involved.It is not bullying when two pupils of about the same strength or power argueor fight. It is also not bullying when the teasing is done in a friendly orplayful way.Bullying can happen anywhere. Wherever it happens bullying should bereported. If bullying occurs out with school grounds the school has no directauthority over such incidents. However, the school will help parents andpupils to actively discourage bullying in all circumstances.All types of bullying will be treated seriously. Bullying can be a crime andmay be reported to the police (Please refer to Types of Bullying table).

Roles and ResponsibilitiesAll staff have a duty of care to take appropriate action if they are made aware of adifficulty either because it is reported to them or particular circumstances and eventsindicate that a problem could be developing. Particular staff, such as guidance staffand members of the SMT, have a specific role in recording, monitoring and resolvingissues that arise. Mrs Moffatt (Depute Rector) will have overall responsibility formonitoring the anti-bullying policy and procedures. Parents and carers also have aresponsibility to encourage pupils to behave in a caring manner and aid the school inpromoting citizenship.Reporting an IncidentIncidents of bullying can be reported to any member of school staff. Staff memberswill pass any concerns to the pupil’s guidance teacher (or to Mrs S Moffatt or Miss MSullivan). Bullying reporting from B2 is available at staff pigeon holes. TheGuidance teacher/keyworker will investigate using form B2 (B2 part B need only becompleted is bullying allegation is substantiated). All paperwork must be forwardedto school coordinator (Miss M Sullivan).Managing Reported IncidentsThe designated person (Miss M Sullivan) will process any reported incident accordingto the guidelines set down in the Procedures for dealing with bullying incidents.Preventative workBuckhaven High School will undertake preventative work in the following ways:The promotion of values and citizenship.Through Personal and Social Development/Education.Helping to improve pupils’ self-esteem and resilience.Further advice and supportThe following organisations can provide support to both children and families.Anti-bullying network – www.antibullying.netChildline – www.childline.org.uk or phone 0800 44 1111If a bullying incident has been investigated by the school and you are notsatisfied, you should contact the Rector of the school (Mr D McClure). If youare still not satisfied after speaking to the Rector, you should then contact theEducation Officer for Buckhaven High School (Mr Les Fargie).

Types of bullyingBullying can be Direct (carried out by the bully) or indirect (carried out by anotherpupil(s) on behalf of the main bully. Below is a table highlighting types of bullyingand example behaviour.Type of bullyingWrittenVerbalPhysicalDamage to propertyIsolationIncitementUse of technologyExample of behaviourGraffiti, notes, writing on jotters, writtenthreats, ridicule through drawings.Name calling, slagging, threatening,sarcasm, discriminatory comments duringclasses.Pushing, shoving, fighting, tripping-up,hitting, kicking, spitting, throwing stones.Theft of bags, clothes, money, tearingclothes/bags, ripping books.Shunned by peers, rejected, left out of orexcluded from activities/groups.Encouraging others to bully, behaving ina discriminatory manner, wearingdiscriminatory insignia such as racistbadges.Anonymous phone calls, offensive orthreatening texting or e-mails.Types of bullyingType of bullyingPhysicalRelationalVerbalDirect bullying carriedout by the bullyHittingKickingSpittingThrowing stonesExtortionThreatening and obscenegesturesVerbal insultsName callingText messagingMSN messengerIndirect bullying carriedout by another on behalfof the main bullyGetting another person toassault someoneRemoving or hidingbelongingsDeliberate exclusion froma group or activityPersuading another personto insult someoneSpreading maliciousrumoursAll types of bullying will be treated seriously. Bullying can be a crime and may bereported to the police.