www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Information for Teachers and Support Staff
Some schools may be reluctant to admit to a problem with bullying, fearing that it might fuel negative public perceptions or damage a positive reputation. However, this can lead to pupils feeling that their school does not really want to hear about incidents, which perpetuates the ‘conspiracy of silence’.
Furthermore, schools have a Duty of Care under the Children Act to provide a safe environment for children and young people. This clearly means that they must provide an environment that is free from fear and intimidation, and which seeks to protect all members of the school’s population from harm.
Since 1999, schools have been required to produce a bullying policy / strategy under the Schools Standards and Framework Act; the policy must be reviewed annually. Bullying and relationships must be included at each of the National Curriculum’s 4 Key Stages.
A test case in the High Court found that schools are not liable for bullying incidents taking place outside school, which has meant that many schools will not intervene in bullying that occurs near or outside the school. However, not intervening in such instances can lead to pupils feeling that teachers are not really willing to hear about incidents, again perpetuating the conspiracy of silence.
A minority of victims who told someone about the bullying said that it got worse afterwards, particularly if they had told a teacher. It is important that claims of bullying are taken seriously and action is taken promptly, to prevent reprisals.
There is evidence that indicates that bullying behaviour constitutes one of the indicators for future offending and that ‘getting away’ with bullying behaviour makes some young people more likely to commit a range of offences. There is a need to tackle bullying, for the sake of those committing the bullying as well as those experiencing it.
There are a wide range of creative and innovative approaches to dealing with bullying. Although some organisations representing victims of bullying may be critical of ‘no blame’ approaches, the DCSF encourages the use of mediation and solution focused approaches, which avoid the allocation of blame – particularly important as children who bully others may have experienced bullying themselves or may have been disadvantaged in other ways that have lead to their bullying behaviour. The involvement of young people in finding successful and enduring solutions is vital. This approach is encouraged in schools in Wiltshire.
Bullying can happen in the classroom, corridors, and toilets as well as in the playing fields and in the school grounds. Improving the school environment can reduce bullying – purposeful recreation and reduced boredom; reduced playground aggression; increased imaginative play.
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