Bullying, E-Safety & Social Policy

Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert).

Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying. However, records are kept of all reported instances in a student’s file and if there are further reports, the issue will be escalated and appropriate action will be taken against individual(s).

Physical bullying includes hitting, kicking, tripping, pinching and pushing or damaging property. Physical bullying causes both short term and long-term damage.

Verbal bullying includes name calling, insults, teasing, intimidation, sexual or racist remarks, or verbal abuse. Verbal bullying can escalate to levels which start affecting the individual target.

Social bullying, sometimes referred to as covert bullying, is often harder to recognise and can be carried out behind the bullied person's back. It is designed to harm someone's social reputation and/or cause humiliation. Social bullying includes:

Role of WHG in e-policy: As WHG are acting in loco parentis, it is our duty to be aware and involved in all matters relating to a student’s online-safety. Examples of online dangers that we would like to make students aware of are:

Cyber bullying can be overt or covert bullying behaviours using digital technologies, including hardware such as computers and smartphones, and software such as social media, instant messaging, texts, websites and other online platforms.

Cyber bullying can happen at any time. It can be in public or in private and sometimes only known to the target and the person bullying. Cyber bullying can include:

https://www.ncab.org.au/bullying-advice/bullying-for-schools/

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying, and research reveals it has increased to affect 12% of young people in this country.

Details of this research can be found here:https://netchildrengomobile.eu/ncgm/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/NCGMUKQual-rev.pdf

Childnet's 2016 Cyberbullying Guidance, funded by the Government Equalities Office and European Union, shows schools how to embed cyberbullying in anti-bullying work

This Guidance is designed to support staff in preventing and responding to cyberbullying. The Guidance comprises of four main sections and although this was commission for schools, it is very much relevant to guardians in supporting students who may be suffering from cyberbullying.

Childnet's 2016 Cyberbullying Guidance can be found here:https://www.childnet.com/resources/cyberbullying-guidance-for-schools

If a student approaches a WHG member of staff or we are notified by parents/agents that a student is a victim of cyberbullying. WHG will handle the concern sensitively and speak to the individual through their Local Guardian. The school will also be involved and if necessary the Police and Social Service if a student is under 16 years old.

WHG strongly advises that students take caution when taking photos and posting them online. Once posted, you lose control over how they are shared.

WHG endorses and advises all staff to read The UK Council for Child Internet Safety publication on Sexting in schools and colleges: Responding to incidents and safeguarding young people.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/609874/6_2939_SP_NCA_Sexting_In_Schools_FINAL_Update_Jan17.pdf

Remember, it is illegal to take or share photos of anyone under the age of 18 that is deemed to be explicit. For students, we recommend watching the interactive videos, ‘Think you know?’:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqLFAYeYVbQ

If you would like to raise a concern, you may want to speak with your Local Guardian or one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads:

In all cases WHG have a responsibility to support children who are bullied and make appropriate provision for a child’s needs. The nature and level of support will depend on the individual circumstances and the level of need. These can include a quiet word from their Local Guardian, a teacher that knows the pupil well, asking the pastoral team to provide support, providing formal counselling, engaging with parents.

In some circumstances the consequences of bullying may lead to a child or young person experiencing pronounced social, emotional or mental health difficulties. WHG will ensure they make appropriate provision for a child’s short term needs, including setting out what actions they are taking when bullying has had a serious impact on a child’s ability to learn.

Records are kept of all reported instances in a student’s file and if there are further reports of any of the above forms of bullying, the issue will be escalated and appropriate action will be taken against individual(s).

As a reminder, students should also be aware of the Student Behaviour Policy link

It is essential that children are safeguarded from potentially harmful and inappropriate online material. An effective understanding of online safety gives staff the ability to protect students, and staff in their use of technology and establishes mechanisms to identify, intervene in, and escalate any concerns where appropriate.

The breadth of issues classified within online safety is considerable and ever evolving, but can be categorised into four areas of risk:

Most students will have unrestricted access to online content via mobile networks. It is difficult to know what students are viewing at all times. There are signs that students may be looking at or being sent inappropriate contact such as:https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/inappropriate-explicit-content/

Policy Updated
8^thOctober 2022

Policy Review Date
1^stOctober 2023