1. Bullying: preventing, protecting, responding
Diana Dodd
Principal Officer Equalities for Communities and Families
St John’s Primary School Parent Council Meeting
26th January 2016

2. Aims of Session
To reach a common understanding of what is and isn’t bullying
To share information on strategies that schools use to prevent bullying, protect children and respond effectively when bullying happens
To give parents an opportunity to identify what works well and what can be improved

3. a definition of bullying
What is Bullying?
In pairs or small groups, please talk together to see if you can come up with
a definition of bullying
please write this on post-its
We will then share this with the whole group
During feed-back, to help people define for themselves what is bullying, bring out issues of
impact on the person being bullied – actions can affect people in different ways
intent – every incident should be looked at individually, the person doing the bullying may not understand this behaviour is actually bullying, but the impact and effect on the person on the receiving end is what should be considered
Persistence – the impacts of bullying can be prevalent after one incident. It is important not to stick to a rigid definition that relies on someone being bullied AGAIN for it to be defined as bullying. The fear of being bullied again has significant impact on the person.

4. IS THIS BULLYING? argue gossip Make friends again fall out
Not bullying. Falling out and then making up with your friends and finding new friends is normal. Being bullied and having nobody to turn to is not normal.

5. IS THIS BULLYING?
Hanna is upset by an insulting picture of her on Facebook taken by one of her classmates and there are many nasty comments about her

6. IS THIS BULLYING?
Several boys don’t want to play football with the girls and grumble about it ‘no being fair’

7. IS THIS BULLYING?
David is teased every day by two or three pupils because he is overweight. He really isn’t upset about it.

8. IS THIS BULLYING? Dean sometimes hits
out at other children in the class or damages their work.
They get quite upset.
Dean is autistic.

9. IS THIS BULLYING?
Billy is upset because older boys in the school laugh at him and say he looks gay

10. IS THIS BULLYING? Tom and Carl have a ‘square fight’ in the
playground and are
reprimanded by the
Head Teacher

11. IS THIS BULLYING?
Justyna is 9 and has recently arrived in Edinburgh from
Poland where she
had never met any
black or Asian people.
She is just learning
English and tells a boy
in her class she
doesn’t like
“chocolate people”.
Is this racist bullying?

12. Definitions of bullying
“Bullying is an abuse of power that is defined by its effects. People who are bullied are seriously upset by something someone else has done or said to them. They may fear that this will happen again and may feel powerless to stop it happening” (City of Edinburgh Council)
“Bullying is a mixture of behaviours and impacts which can affect a person’s capacity to feel in control of themselves. This is what we term as their sense of ‘agency’ ...it is important to consider impact, intent and persistence when defining bullying behaviour”
(Respectme, Scotland’s National Anti-Bullying Service)
So it isn’t just about behaviour or intention – but we take that into account when dealing with it.

13. Prevention and Protection Strategies and Initiatives some examples
Growing Confidence programmes raise self-confidence and empathy
Rights Respecting Schools Awards programme
Pupil Council initiatives
Playground monitoring
Staff training
School assemblies
Buddy arrangements
School staff model the desired behaviours
Pupils and parents involved in renewing school policies
Diversity days, weeks and celebrations
“It’s everyone’s job” ethos

14. Responding to Bullying
Adhere to school policy and procedures
Act as soon as possible and find out what really happened
If established as bullying, listen to what the pupil wants to happen/not happen and ensure safety
Using strengths-based approaches to change behaviours
Address the behaviour. Labels like Bully and Victim can stick!
Involve parents
Restorative practices if everyone willing (acknowledge grievances)
Counselling
Assessment if additional support is needed
Child Planning meetings
Referral to support services (Educational Welfare, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Educational Psychologist)
Sanctions, including loss of privileges
Exclusion is definitely a last resort

15. Three STARS and a WISH
Please use the handout provided to evaluate and recommend good practice at this school

16. Conclusions Bullying is never acceptable.
It is not a normal part of growing up.
It does not build character.
Trust, acceptance, consistency and safety build character.
We must all be good role modes in the truest sense and remember – we can make a difference!

17. References and contacts
The Council’s Policy and Procedures
Respectme – Scotland’s National Anti-Bullying Service
Principal Equalities Officers for Communities and Families (job share) can provide further useful contacts in relation to prejudice-based bullying