Bullying Response Policy

School / teachers' response policy:

1. If a victim reports bullying to a teacher, it is vital that the case is fully and confidentially investigated and followed up if necessary.
2. If a child reports that somebody else is being harassed by one or more children, the teacher shall approach one of the bullies, saying that he/she saw something nasty happening in the yard, though stressing that nobody has reported this incident and that they hope that it will not happen again. One bully usually relays this message to any other bullies.
3. In more serious cases, the teacher shall speak separately to the bully and the victim, pointing out the injustice and undesirability of this behaviour. These separate interviews will enable the teacher to form an opinion on the personalities of the pupils concerned. The bully shall then be confronted by the teacher with the victim, without others present, initiating a discussion on what the victim felt like when bullied. This may have the effect of making a bully realise the full impact of his/her actions. However, if the bullying has been severe and ongoing, the victim may feel unable to face the bully. In this case a meeting will be suggested only when the teacher senses that the victim is confident enough to proceed. In extreme cases, such a meeting may not be deemed feasible at any stage.
4. If a teacher suspects that bullying is taking place, (eg if the teacher notices one pupil with whom nobody wants to work/share a team) the teacher may have to insist that the pupil be allowed to join a particular group. Afterwards the teacher shall interview privately and discreetly either the isolated pupil or another pupil. Evidence of bullying may emerge.
5. If a case of bullying is witnessed by a teacher, he/she shall:
   • remain calm, reacting emotionally may add to the bully's fun and give the bully a feeling of control
   • take the incident/report seriously
   • take action as quickly as possible
   • consider whether action needs to be private or public query - Who are those involved? What are the circumstances?
   • reassure the victim, ensuring that they don't feel inadequate or foolish
   • offer concrete help, advice and support to the victim
   • make disapproval plain to the bully
   • encourage the bully to see the victim's point of view
   • sanction the bully if necessary, being careful not give the impression that it is all right to bully if you have the power, or if you do not ‘get caught’
   • clearly explain the sanction, and the reason it is being given
   • explain sanctions to the class
6. Inform the principal and other teachers of a bullying incident, in order to avoid recurrence.
7. 7. Principal and teacher together shall inform relevant sets of parents calmly, clearly and concisely, reassuring them that the incident will not linger on or be held against an individual. Secondary schools to which pupils transfer will be informed by the principal of relevant information in this regard if there is a suspicion of recurrence.
8. The principal shall inform the Board of Management of serious instances of bullying. The Board will suspend persistent bullies.
9. Records will be kept of all meetings and correspondence regarding bullying incidents and allegations.