Understanding Bullying

These guidelines are based on the widely accepted definitions of bullying behaviour that emphasise the following characteristics:

Bullying is deliberate – there is an intention to cause physical and/or psychological pain or discomfort to another person.

Bullying involves the intentional misuse of power in a relationship – there is an actual or perceived unequal relationship that may be based on physical size, age, gender, social status or digital capability and access.

Bullying is ongoing and repeated – bullying behaviour is usually not one-off. It is repeated over time, with the threat of further incidents leading to fear and anxiety. Repeated acts of bullying may involve single acts with different targets, as well as multiple acts with the same individual.

Bullying involves behaviours that can cause harm – there is short or long-term physical or psychological harm on those involved, including bystanders.

Conflicts or fights between equals, or single incidents are not defined as bullying. These matters are dealt with according to the Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Policy, Conditions of Enrolment and the School Community Code of Conduct.

Bullying behaviour is not:

Children not getting along well

A situation of mutual conflict such as teasing or disagreement

Single episodes of hurtful words or actions, or random acts of aggression or intimidation. 

CYBERBULLYING

Cyberbullying is one particular form of bullying that is enabled, enhanced, or in some way mediated through digital technology. Email, mobile phones, chat rooms, social networking sites, gaming and instant messaging can all be used to bully others verbally, socially or psychologically.

The characteristics of bullying behaviour may be expressed differently in the context of cyberbullying. For example:

• repetition – can be influenced by the ability of a single action to spread and be repeated rapidly to a wider audience and with a degree of permanence (e.g. forwarding texts).
• power imbalance – can also be a function of the anonymity of the person initiating the cyberbullying, or of an individual’s ability to use technology.
• cyberbullying – can involve people who have never physically met and/or people who share no common acquaintances.

Examples of cyberbullying include:

• sending abusive texts or emails
• posting negative or inappropriate messages or images on social networking sites
• taking and sharing private images, including sexual images
• forming bullying groups on social networking sites
• assuming the identity of another person online and representing them in a way that may be harmful to them or cause them distress.

Bullying that takes place through digital technology has less boundaries than physical bullying. This is because digital information can be:

• rapidly duplicated, distributed, and accessed
• stored in multiple locations
• created and communicated automatically
• stored with varying levels of ‘discoverability’
• in effect at any time of the day or night
• leave a permanent record (e.g. photos posted on the internet).

Cyberbullying may occur alongside bullying in a physical environment, which would intensify the effect. 

Our approach to bullying.

St Kevin’s is a Making Jesus Real school, where we treat, greet and speak to others with respect. We operate as WEST people – welcoming, encouraging, say sorry and thank you.  

St Kevin’s uses a whole-school approach to: 

• Create and support an inclusive environment, which promotes a culture of mutual respect, consideration and care for others, which will be upheld by all.
• Challenge practice and language that does not uphold the school values of tolerance, non-discrimination and respect towards others. 
• Actively create “safe spaces” for vulnerable children and young people. 
• Celebrate success and achievements to promote and build a positive school ethos. 

What can I do if I’m being bullied? 

• Tell the student who is bullying to stop. State quite clearly that the behaviour is against school values/rules and is offensive.
• Ignore them and walk away.
• Seek help. Talk about it to someone you trust. Tell a teacher or another adult at school. Feel confident that an incident can be solved.
• Tell your family.
• Take a friend with you if you are worried to tell someone by yourself.
• Keep telling people until someone listens.
• Don’t blame yourself for what has happened.
• Do not retaliate with physical or verbal abuse.
• If you are experiencing bullying on the way to or from school, tell someone and walk home with a friend.

What can parents/carers do?

• Be aware of signs of distress in your child, e.g. unwillingness to attend school, a pattern of illness, missing equipment, requests for extra money, damaged equipment or clothing.
• Inform the school of any cases of suspected bullying even if your child is not directly involved or affected.
• Take an active interest in your child’s social life and acquaintances.
• Assist your child to discuss any incidence of bullying with a teacher. If possible, allow your child to report and deal with the situation. Your child can gain respect and confidence through taking the initiative and dealing with the problem without direct parental involvement.
• If your child is being bullied, discourage any planned retaliation, either physical or verbal, by discussing positive strategies they can use.
• Be positive about your child’s qualities and encourage your child to be tolerant and caring.
• Be willing to attend interviews if your child is involved in an incident of bullying, and work cooperatively with the school.
• Do not deal directly with the other children or their parents/carers but work through and with the school.
• Discuss the school’s expectations about behaviour and how best to deal with bullying.