Bullying affects everyone, not just the bullies and their victims. It is neither an inevitable part of school life nor a necessary part of growing up. No one person or group, whether staff or student, should have to accept this type of behaviour.
No one should underestimate the potential psychological damage that bullying can cause, often far in excess of the intentions of the bully.
All students have the right to an education free from bullying from other students or adults and it is the responsibility of all members of the School to ensure that Cheadle Hulme School is a supportive, safe and caring environment.
Definition:
Bullying is the wilful, conscious desire to hurt, threaten or harass someone else. It is characterised by the use of power over the victim. Bullying can occur through several types of anti social behaviour. For example: -
- VERBAL BULLYING This may involve name calling, may make use of written notes, e-mails, or mobile phone messages and/or may include threats of physical violence.
- PHYSICAL BULLYING This often consists of deliberate jostling, bumping or shoving and those responsible may easily maintain that it is accidental when detected for the first time. Physical bullying may also involve theft or damage to property. Not all theft or damage is bullying, but it is where the intention is to create fear and to use power improperly.
- MANIPULATIVE BULLYING This may involve manipulating social networks with the intention of excluding, ostracising or marginalising individuals from their friends and normal relationships. This may involve the spreading of rumours or of malicious accusations.
Bullying frequently focuses on individual differences or anything that is implied to be different from the majority. In this respect it undermines the School’s work in promoting equal opportunities and teaching social and moral principles. Bullying may seize upon aspects of body shape or appearance or focus on parental, cultural or ethnically-based lifestyles. It may dwell upon race, religion or nationality; it may dwell on special educational needs or physical disability. It may also reflect parental ignorance and bigotry or neighbourhood feuds. Sexual bullying may involve misogyny or homophobia and focus on alleged sexual attractiveness or lack of it.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU ARE BEING BULLIED
- Go straight to a member of staff in private. Remember your silence is the bully’s greatest weapon.
- If you are being bullied by a member of staff you should speak to your head of year (if the bully is the Head of Year you should speak to your Head of School)
- Tell yourself that you do not deserve to be bullied and that it is wrong.
- Be proud of who you are. It is good to be an individual.
- Try not to show that you are upset. A bully thrives on someone’s fear.
- Stay with a group of friends as much as you can.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE IS BEING BULLIED
§ Take Action! Tell a member of staff immediately.