This document is the product of an Anti-bullying day held in August 2006. The conference was attended by over one hundred Maryborough Education Centre students.
MEC works strongly to instil the values of respect, inclusion, safety, consistency, achievement and enjoyment. In line with these values we will work hard to create a harmonious, caring and friendly environment where the diversity of people and culture is appreciated and valued. Each of us at MEC is recognised as a unique individual bringing special qualities and gifts to share and so we all have a right to be respected and a responsibility to respect each other.
Therefore, MEC does not tolerate bullying in any form. All members of the MEC community are committed to ensuring a safe and caring environment which promotes personal growth, fosters positive self esteem for all and recognises our goals as a learning community.
MEC does not tolerate any form of bullying.
Bullying is an act of aggression causing hurt, embarrassment, pain or discomfort to others:
• it can take a number of forms -- physical, verbal or psychological
• it is an abuse of power
• it may be planned and organised or it may be unintentional
• it can take place through email or text messaging.
• any form of physical violence such as hitting, pushing or spitting on others
• interfering with another person’s property by stealing, hiding, damaging or destroying it
• using offensive names, teasing or spreading rumours about others or their families
• using ‘put-downs’, belittling other’s abilities and achievements
• writing offensive notes or graffiti about others
• making degrading comments about another’s culture, religion or social background
• hurtfully excluding others from a group
• making suggestive comments or gestures
• ridiculing another person’s appearance
• forcing others to act against their will.
• we may feel lonely, insecure, hurt, frightened, unsafe, embarrassed, angry or unfairly treated
• you may feel like staying away from school
• our work, sleep, self-esteem and ability to concentrate may suffer
• our relationships with our family, teachers and friends may deteriorate
• we may feel confused and not know what to do about the problem.
• As a learning community, we will not allow cases of bullying to go unreported. We will speak up.
• We need to use a peer mediation program at all levels of the MEC where peer mediators are trained to mediate conflict where it arises.
• We will continue to develop programs improve the happiness and resilience of all students.
• We will provide additional support through the student services department for vulnerable students.
• We will regularly survey students to gather feedback on the prevalence of bullying.
• We will work with community organisations to reduce bullying in the wider community.
• We will work to ensure every member of our school community is familiar with this policy
• We will ensure that every student has one staff member who they feel they can talk to about issues such as bullying
• We will document all reported incidences.
This requires staff to:
• model non aggressive behaviour at all times
• be observant for signs of distress or suspected incidents of bullying
• actively supervise during yard duty
• arrive at class on time
• take steps to help victims and remove sources of distress without placing the victim at further risk
• report suspected incidents to the appropriate staff such as Home Group Teacher, Year Level Co-ordinator, Sub-school Manager or Assistant to Deputy Principal
• inform parents and liaise with them to support the child.
This requires students to:
• immediately report incidents of bullying to staff in order to seek help
• support the peer mediation process
• refuse to be involved in any bullying situation
• support students who are being bullied
• actively discourage the bully from continuing the behaviours
• if students who are bullied have the courage to speak out, they may help reduce hurt for themselves and prevent others becoming potential victims
• students who remain as observers while bullying takes place become part of the bullying process by their presence and should be held responsible for that action.
The Centre recommends that parents:
• watch for signs of distress in your child, e.g. unwillingness to attend school, a pattern of illness, missing equipment, requests for extra money, damaged clothing or bruising
• take an active interest in your child’s social life and acquaintances
• advise your child to tell a staff member about any incidence of bullying. If possible, allow your child to report and deal with the situation. Your child can gain respect and confidence through taking the initiative and dealing with the problem without direct parental involvement
• keep a written record (who, what, where, when and how)
• encourage your child not to retaliate but to seek an alternative solution to the problem
• be willing to attend interviews if your child is involved in an incident of bullying and work cooperatively with the Centre
• be willing to inform the Centre of any cases of suspected bullying even if your child is not directly involved or affected
• do not try to deal directly with the other children or their parents but work through and with the Centre.
When the staff, students and parents of MEC work together, we create a truly caring environment.
Bullying Must Be Reported
Who Can Help?
• Parents
• Teachers
• School Chaplain
• Student Support Services Coordinator
• School Nurse
• Friends, Campus Leaders, Class Leaders, Student Peer Mediators, other trusted people.
• Centre telephone numbers: 54617900
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
• Lifeline 131114
• www.reachout.com.au
• www.bullyingnoway.com.au
