Bullying … a practical guide
Bullying is, in some ways, a way of life existing at all levels of society and not just among children. We at Dyke House Sports and Technology College are doing our best to eradicate the problem. Our school will not tolerate any form of bullying.
To beat the bully, parents as well as teachers must be vigilant. It is important to remember that the bully has his or her own personal development damaged as well as that of the victim. To prevent such damage, parents and teachers must work together.
If you suspect that your child is being bullied, contact the school immediately. Then we can call on strategies which have been successfully used in the past. When parents are informed that their child is involved in bullying it is expected that, as caring parents, they will join with the school in condemning such behaviour for the sake of their child’s future development.
Signs which may mean a child is being bullied;
Unexplained injuries
Loss of personal property
Requests for money/stealing
Leaving school and returning to school earlier/later
Using a different route to school
Temper tantrums
Difficulty sleeping
Loss of appetite
Being withdrawn or uncommunicative
Being aggressive/uncooperative
Strategies which have proven to be successful include:
All reports of bullying are investigated thoroughly with everyone involved being interviewed.
Victims can if they wish, keep a diary indicating the name of the bully, time and date of the specific incident.
In the presence of a teacher, usually the Head of Year, the victim is given the opportunity to confront the bully so that they are fully aware of the extent of the damage being done by them to the victim.
Victims can, if they prefer, write down or have someone write down for them how they have been affected by bullying. This is shown or read to the bully by the teacher.
Group discussions, involving bullies and victims, led by a suitably qualified teacher, such as the manager of the Inclusion Unit.
Once a bully has been identified it is made clear to them and their parents/guardians that this type of undesirable behaviour must stop and any repetition would be regarded as a serious disciplinary problem.
Pupils who are responsible for bullying may be isolated from their peers or excluded from School for a fixed term or ultimately permanently!
