What is bullying?

 At the Heys School, we define bullying as:

 

Learning to understand and manage conflict is an important part of growing up. However, bullying is not simply a ‘falling out’. Research shows that experiencing bullying can have a significant impact on a child’s life well into adulthood. To ensure we are able to prevent bullying, act quickly when it takes place and avoid misidentifying bullying, everyone who belongs to our community has to have a shared definition of bullying.

The Heys School has a zero tolerance approach to bullying and encourages compassionate behaviour.  The aim of our anti-bullying policy is to clarify for students and staff that bullying is always unacceptable. We aim to create an environment where everyone is welcome and where  tolerance and respect, including respect for difference and diversity, are promoted.  Every student and member of staff has the right to be safe and happy in school, and the right to be protected when they are feeling vulnerable.

What is bullying behaviour?

Physical bullying	Verbal bullying
Hitting	Name calling
Taking or deliberately damaging people’s things	Making insulting or offensive remarks
Kicking	Making threats

Banter or bullying?

Banter and bullying regularly get confused. However, it is important that children understand where to draw the line between acceptable language and unacceptable language and to recognise if and when banter goes too far?

https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/tools-information/all-about-bullying/what-bullying/banter

What is online bullying?

Online bullying (often referred to as cyberbullying) is any form of bullying that is carried out through the use of electronic media devices, such as computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, or gaming consoles.

What makes online bullying different?

We know there is a strong link between online bullying and face to face bullying. Research has shown that 80% of victims of online bullying were also bullied face to face.

Bullying is far more wide spread now it is online – it doesn’t just happen in school. It affects your social life. Your social life is online. How many people like your status or your picture. Social pressures are just made worse.  People who cyberbully often don’t see the reaction of those experiencing it so it can sometimes be harder for them to see the impact of their actions

This short video shows can you how to be an “upstander”, not a “bystander”.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeqQCyQOCPg

What does Cyberbullying look like?