Bullying affects everyone, not just the bullies and the victims. Bullying is not an inevitable part of school life or a necessary part of growing up, and you do not have to put up with it.

At Prince Henry’s we want to create a community in which everyone:

• Has a clear understanding of what we mean by ‘bullying’;
• Is aware of the school’s position regarding bullying - that a situation where a person feels intimidated or threatened will not be tolerated.

What is Bullying?

The Government defines bullying as:

“Behaviour by an individual or group, usually repeated or over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally”.

All bullying is aggressive, either physical, verbal or psychological, although not all aggression is necessarily bullying. Bullying takes many forms and it can be short term or continue for a long period of time.

Is it bullying?

It is if you feel hurt because individuals or groups are:

• Calling you names;
• Threatening you;
• Pressuring you to give someone money or possessions;
• Hitting you;
• Damaging your possessions;
• Spreading rumours about you or your family;
• Excluding or isolating you;
• Using text, e-mail or web space to say or write hurtful things (cyberbullying).

Why are people bullied?

Bullying may happen for a variety of reasons, but in all cases IT IS WRONG. Some of the most common types include bullying related to:

• Race, religion or culture;
• Special educational needs or disabilities;
• Appearance or health conditions;
• Sexual orientation;
• Home circumstances;
• Gender.

If you are being bullied

Remember,if you are being bullied, it is wrong. You should:

1.      Try to stay calm and look as confident as you can;

2.      Be firm and clear - look them in the eye and tell them to stop;

3.      Get away from the situation as quickly as possible;

4.      Report the bullying immediately.

If you have been bullied

1.      Speak to your Form Tutor or another member of staff;

2.      If you prefer, use the “Text for Help” service, by sending a text message to Student Services on 07624 813301 (charged at your standard text message rate);

3.      Report it again if it happens again;

4.      Tell your parents/carers;

5.      Do not blame yourself for what has happened.

This is what we will do

At Prince Henry’s we will not tolerate bullying. All allegations of bullying will be investigated and dealt with firmly and fairly. Initially we will speak to the suspected victim and bully, as well as any witnesses.

Our priorities are to:

• Make sure that you are safe;
• Work to stop the bullying happening again;
• Support you;
• Take action to ensure that the person doing the bullying learns not to harm others.

Dealing with the bully

Bullies will always be dealt with through the Positive Discipline system, according to how serious the bullying is, and whether it has happened before.