Bullying: Understanding, Preventing, and Addressing It

At The Cottesloe School, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where all students can learn and grow. Bullying is a serious issue that affects students' well-being and academic success, and we believe it's important to work together, students, parents, and staff - to prevent and address it. Our Healthy Relationships agenda promotes a culture that does not accept bullying.

What is bullying?

Bullying is repeated, unwanted aggressive behaviour that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It can take many forms, including:

• Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, or any kind of physical harm.
• Verbal bullying: Name-calling, teasing, or making hurtful remarks.
• Social bullying: Excluding someone from a group, spreading rumours, or damaging someone's reputation.
• Cyberbullying: Using technology (social media, texting) to threaten, harass, or embarrass someone.

Bullying can happen anywhere: in the classroom, on the playground, in the hallways, or even online. No matter the form, it can have long-lasting effects on a student's emotional, mental, and physical health.

Recognising the Signs

It's important to recognise the signs of bullying. Students who are being bullied may:

• Avoid school or certain activities
• Show signs of stress, anxiety, or depression
• Have unexplained injuries or lost belongings
• Display sudden changes in behaviour, like becoming withdrawn or angry

If you notice these signs in a student or peer, it’s essential to act quickly to provide support.

What to Do If You Are Being Bullied

If you are being bullied, remember that it’s not your fault, and you don’t have to face it alone. Here’s what you can do:

1. Tell a trusted adult. Whether it’s a teacher, counsellor, or parent, let someone know what’s happening.
2. Stay calm and confident. Bullies often target people they think are vulnerable, so try to remain calm and avoid reacting with anger.
3. Avoid bullies when possible. Try to stay with friends or in safe areas at school.
4. Keep a record. If you’re being cyberbullied, save messages or screenshots as evidence.

How We Address Bullying

At our school, we take all reports of bullying seriously. Our approach to preventing and addressing bullying includes:

• Education and Awareness: We teach students about the effects of bullying and the importance of respect and kindness through classroom lessons, assemblies, and discussions. Our Healthy Relationships agenda actively promotes a culture where bullying is not accepted. 
• Clear Reporting Process: Students can report bullying to any staff member, and we have an anonymous reporting system for those who prefer not to be identified.
• Support for Victims: Key pastoral staff are available to support students who have been affected by bullying, helping them cope and regain confidence. This includes, but is not limited to Head of Year and TEAM Hub.
• Consequences for Bullying: Students who engage in bullying behaviour will face consequences based on our school's code of conduct, which may include mediation, counselling, or disciplinary action.

How You Can Help

Everyone plays a part in stopping bullying. Here are some ways to help:

• Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander: If you see bullying happening, speak up or get help from an adult. Don’t encourage the bully by laughing or joining in.
• Show Kindness: Simple acts of kindness can make a big difference. Reach out to those who may feel left out and include them.
• Set a Positive Example: Treat others with respect and kindness in person and online. Be a role model for your peers.

Together, we can create a safe and supportive community where everyone feels valued. Let’s stand up to bullying and ensure that our school is a place where all students can thrive.

Teaching about bullying

Our Healthy Relationships agenda is prominent across the whole school. Students are regularly reminded of the expectations we have of them to treat themselves, others and the wider community with respect. We regularly promote tolerance and celebrate our differences. Our assembly rota and PSHE curriculum regularly focusses on Healthy Relationships. All students in Year 7 complete a unit of work on transition and friendships during the Autumn Term. This culminates with a trip to the West End to see the musical Wicked. 

Share it with us

The Cottesloe School has zero tolerance for bullying.  We can only help you once you report it. We appreciate it is not always so easy to do so. We have several ways in which you can report it to us:

• Via the share-a-concern button on the school website
• Via your child’s form tutor
• By emailing the school at office@cottesloe.bucks.sch.uk, who can pass concerns on to the relevant member of staff
• Students are also able to report bullying to any member of staff
• Team Hub
• Via the library reporting box.