Anti-Bullying @ Shire Oak

Anti-bullying at Shire Oak 

We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all members of our Academy community. This includes students, staff, parents, carers, visitors and those in our community. Every student has the right to learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at Shire Oak Academy. 

At Shire Oak Academy we define bullying as; 

Repeated negative behaviour that is intended to make others  feel upset, uncomfortable or unsafe.

Link to policy - Anti-Bullying Policy 

 

Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group over a period of time that intentionally hurts another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim. Bullying can be: 

Types of Bullying	Definition
Verbal	Persistent name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.
Physical	Pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence.
Emotional	Being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding books, threatening gestures)
Racist	Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures, name-calling, low-level mocking.
Sexual / Sexist	Unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments.
LGBTQIA+	Because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality or identity.
Damage to property or theft	Personal items being damaged or taken.
Cyber Bullying	Comments made by text or other forms of social media.
Aimed at vulnerable groups	Comments made to students classed as vulnerable – e.g. physical/ social disability, personality types.

 

What to do if you feel you are being bullied?  

If you are concerned about being bullied, you know someone who you think is being bullied or you are concerned about your behaviour towards others, there are lots of people to whom you can talk.  In school you can talk to:  

• Form Tutor  
• Student Support Manager/Officer  
• Achievement Leader  
• Another teacher or member of staff  
• You can also report an incident on the ‘MyConcern’ system via the link below:  

 

YES2RESPECT 

We actively encourage students, staff and visitors to think about their language and behaviour towards others, to support and embed a culture where everyone feels respected. As part of this, through assemblies and form time work we are asking all members of our Academy community to show their support for our YES2RESPECT pledge.

 

The YES2RESPECT Pledge  

Show your support to the campaign and dedication to promoting an inclusive Academy by signing the Yes2Respect pledge.  

R eflect - I will reflect on our values and habits  

E ducate - I will challenge prejudice and discrimination  

S upport - I will support and help embed a culture where everyone is respected  

P ositivity - I will positively contribute to and promote the Yes2Respect campaign  

E mpower - I will empower individuals to enhance their contribution to the campaign  

C ommunity - I am proud to be a part of an inclusive Academy  

T ogether - Together we can make a difference  

 

Some helpful advice for students  

• Remember that your silence is the bully’s greatest weapon!  
• Generally, it is best to tell an adult you trust straight away. You will get immediate support; ∙  
• 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 an 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 friends. There is safety in numbers;  
• Be assertive – say ‘NO’ and walk confidently away. Go straight to a teacher or member  
• of staff.  
• Teachers will take you seriously and will deal with bullies in a way that will end the bullying and 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. Tell an adult immediately. Teachers have ways of dealing with the bully without getting you in trouble. You can anonymously report bullying incidents.  

 

For parents and carers   

• Look for unusual behaviour in your children. For example they may suddenly not wish to attend the Academy, feel ill regularly, or not complete work to their normal standard;  
• Always take an active role in your child’s education. Enquire how their day has gone, who they have spent time with, how lunchtime was spent etc.;  
• If you feel your child may be a victim of bullying behaviour, inform the Academy 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 child there is nothing wrong with them. It is not their fault they are being bullied;  
• Make sure your child is fully aware of our Academy policy concerning bullying and they should not be afraid to ask for help.