Bullying affects everyone, not just the bullies and the victims. It also affects those other children who watch, and less aggressive trainees can be drawn in by group pressure. Bullying is not an inevitable part of life or a necessary part of growing up, and it rarely sorts itself out. It is clear that certain jokes, insults, intimidating/threatening behaviour, written abuse and violence are to be found in our society. No one person or group, whether staff or trainee, should have to accept this type of behaviour. Only when all issues of bullying are addressed, will a child best be able to benefit from the opportunities available on the course.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying can occur through several types of anti-social behaviour. It can be:-

• Physical
  A child can be physically punched, kicked, hit, spat at etc.
• Verbal
  Verbal abuse can take the form of name-calling. It may be directed towards gender, ethnic origin, physical/social disability, personality, etc.
• Exclusion
  A Child can be bullied simply by being excluded form discussions/activities, with those they believe to be their friends.
• Damage to Property or Theft
  Trainees may have their property damaged or stolen. The bully may use physical threats in order that the trainee hands over property to them.

What Can You Do if You Are Being Bullied?

Remember that your silence is the bully's greatest weapon!

• 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 individual.
• Try not to show that you are upset. It is hard but a bully thrives on someone's fear.
• Stay with a group of friend's/people. There is safety in numbers.
• Be assertive - shout "no!" Walk confidently away. Go straight to an instructor or adult.
• Fighting back may make things worse. If you decide to fight back, talk to an instructor or parent/guardian first.
• Generally it is best to tell an adult you trust straight away. You will get immediate support.
• Instructors will take you seriously and will deal with bullies in a way, which will end the bullying and will not make things worse for you.

If You Know Someone Is Being Bullied:

• TAKE ACTION! Watching and doing nothing looks as if you are on the side of the bully. It makes the victim feel more unhappy and on their own.
• If you feel you cannot get involved, tell an adult IMMEDIATELY. Instructors have ways dealing with the bully without getting you into trouble.
• Do not be, or pretend to be, friends with a bully.

As a Parent

• Look for unusual behaviour in your children. For example, they may suddenly not wish to attend the course, or feel ill regularly.
• Always take an active role in your child's course. Enquire how their day has gone, who they have spent their time with, how lunchtime was spent, etc.
• If you feel you child may be a victim of bullying behaviour, inform the
• SI immediately. Your complaint will be taken seriously and appropriate action will follow.
• It is important that you advise your child not to fight back. It can make matters worse!
• Tell your own son/daughter there is nothing wrong with him/her. It is not his/her fault that they are being bullied.
• Make sure your child is fully aware of the centre policy concerning bullying and that they will not be afraid to ask for help.

As a Centre

• Be observant
  • Is any child looking unhappy or left out?
  • Any rough play or whispering in groups?
  • Does a group go silent when a particular child joins them?
  • Watch for name calling or nick names being used. (Children may pretend to like nicknames even if they don’t.)
• Ensure all trainees are included
• Minimise opportunities for bullying, e.g. provide increased supervision at problem times perhaps lunch.
• Use any opportunity to discuss aspects of bullying and the appropriate way to behave towards each other
• Deal quickly, firmly and fairly with any complaints, involving parents where necessary.
• Review the Centre Policy and its degree of success.
• The Centre Staff will continue to have a firm but fair discipline structure. The rules should be few, simple and easy to understand.
• The following anti-bullying notices should be displayed throughout the centre:

ARE YOU BEING BULLIED?

TELL YOUR INSTRUCTOR

TELL THE SI

TELL SOMEONE

Action to be Taken When Bullying Is Suspected

If bullying is suspected we talk to the suspected victim, the suspected bully and any witnesses. If any degree of bullying is identified, the following action will be taken: -

Help and support will be given as is appropriate to both the victims and the bullies.

We support the victims in the following ways:

• By offering them an immediate opportunity to talk about the experience with their instructor or assistant instructor if they choose.
• Informing the victim's parents/guardians.
• By offering continuing support when they feel they need it.
• By taking one or more of the six disciplinary steps described below to prevent more bullying

We also discipline, yet try to help the bullies in the following ways:

• By talking about what happened, to discover why they became involved.
• Informing the bullies' parents/guardians
• By continuing to work with the bullies in order to get rid of prejudiced attitudes as far as possible.
• By taking one or more of the six disciplinary steps described below to prevent more bullying.

Disciplinary Steps

1. They will be warned officially to stop offending and an Incident Recording form should be completed
2. Parents/guardians will be informed.
3. They may be excluded from/detained in the centre premises at lunch times
4. If they do not stop bullying they will be given a timeout from the course activities.
5. If they then carry on they will be given a suspension of half or full day.
6. If they will not end such behaviour, they will be asked to leave the course.