What is bullying?
Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. It can happen face to face or online.
If you are being bullied in any way or are worried about somebody else who might be you must tell somebody. As a school we take bullying very seriously. Pupils and parents should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.
Bullying behaviour can be:
- Physical – pushing, poking, kicking, hitting, biting, taking someone’s belongings.
- Verbal – name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, threats, teasing, belittling, racist or sexist comments.
- Emotional – isolating others, tormenting, hiding books, threatening gestures, ridicule, humiliation, intimidating, excluding, manipulation and coercion, tormenting, graffiti.
- Sexual – unwanted physical contact, inappropriate touching, abusive comments, homophobic abuse, exposure to inappropriate films, comments relating to sex or sexuality.
- Online/cyber – posting on social media, sharing photos, sending nasty text messages, social exclusion.
- Indirect – Can include the exploitation of individuals, spreading rumours, sending abusive texts, excluding somebody from a group.
Many of these types of bullying can take place in the online environment and this is known as “CYBER BULLYING” eg. Misuse of all areas of the Internet, inappropriate messaging and emailing, sending offensive or degrading images by phone or via the Internet, misuse of any social media.
If there are any serious offences reported this information may be given to other agencies to assist in helping you with your problem. For advice on cyberbullying go to the following Website: http://ceop.police.uk/
How to react
- Try to ignore bullies. Walk away and do not let them see that you are upset. Don’t give them the satisfaction of getting a reaction from you.
- If you can, calmly stand up for yourself and ask them to stop their behaviour.
- Try to stay with your friends and avoid being on your own.
What to do next
Tell someone you trust. This could be a friend, someone at home or a teacher. Alternatively you could email antibullying@pleckgate.com, speak to one of our year 10 anti-bullying ambassadors or one of the pastoral staff. Just talking to someone may help you to find a solution to the problem.
What will happen if you tell a teacher?
The teacher will listen to you and offer support. The teacher can talk to the person who is bullying you (if you agree) and hopefully stop the bullying.
What to do if you see bullying
- Comfort, support and stay with the victim.
- Tell the victim to report the incident.
- Tell somebody (e.g. a teacher) what you have seen.
- If you are in a group where one member is bullying, show that you disapprove, because by doing nothing you support the bully.
If you wish to report any bullying please contact us:
Email: antibullying@pleckgate.com
EPT Anti Bullying Charter
- Treat others as you wish to be treated yourself.
- Set yourself limits and boundaries with social media.
- Understand that intentional, inappropriate comments are NOT banter.
- Be more tolerant of others.
- Always stand up for what you believe is right.
- Try to have empathy and sympathy towards others.
- Encourage people to resolve issues calmly.
- Be confident to report bullying confidentially.
- Always think about the consequences of your actions.
- Remember we have a zero tolerance approach to bullying.
National Secondary School Anti-Bullying Award
Pleckgate’s Learning and Pastoral Support Officer, Rebekah Spence was invited to the House of Lords in London on Tuesday 15th November to receive the National Secondary School Anti-Bullying Award from the UK Anti-Bullying Alliance. Click here to find out more.
Remember:
Bullying will not be tolerated at Pleckgate High School
Report it so we can sort it!
