POLICY
ANTI-BULLYING AND HARASSMENT (STUDENTS)
Approved in March 2014 and reviewed annually.
1.
PURPOSE
To set out how the College will meet its statutory duty to safeguard students and respond
to allegations of bullying and harassment, and duty under legislation, policy and guidance.
2.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all students, staff, governors and volunteers.
3.
REFERENCES AND RELATED DOCUMENTATION
The Policy has been developed by reference to:

Department for Education:
www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/advice/f0076899/preventing-and-tackling-bullying

NSPCC Anti-bullying Policy 2011

The Education and Inspections Act 2006

The Equality Act 2010

Children Act 1989

Protection from Harassment Act 1997

Malicious Communications Act 1988

Communications Act 2003

Public Order Act 1986

www.stampoutbullying.co.uk
This Policy should be read in conjunction with the following documentation:

Student Misconduct Procedure

ICLT – e-Regulations 2011/12

Staff Disciplinary Policy

Safeguarding Policy
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4.
DEFINITIONS
‘Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, that intentionally hurts
another individual or group either physically or emotionally’ (DfE). Bullying is any repeated
words or actions, which are aimed at causing someone to feel frightened, miserable and
helpless at College. There are many definitions of bullying, but most people consider it to
be:

deliberately hurtful

repeated over a period of time

difficult for people to defend themselves against
Bullying can take many forms, for example:

Verbal – name calling, sarcasm, threatening, teasing

Physical – pushing, hitting, kicking, punching or any use of physical aggressive
contact

Social – ignoring, spreading rumours, treating someone like an outsider

Psychological/Mental – stalking, intimidation

Cyber – chat rooms, online, instant messaging – email, mobile phone
Bullying is often motivated by prejudice or ignorance for example on the grounds of
appearance, race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, jealousy.
Those from
minority ethnic groups, with disabilities, gay, lesbian or transgender (LGBT) or those with
learning difficulties can be more vulnerable to this form of abuse and may well be targeted.
Harassment is any conduct which is unwanted by a recipient, which affects the dignity of an
individual or group of individuals in the College.
Harassment may be repetitive or an
isolated occurrence against one or more individuals.
The Equality Act 2010 specifies protected characteristics which include age, disability,
gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage & civil
partnership, pregnancy & maternity.
5.
STATEMENT OF ACTION
Stockton Riverside College will investigate and respond with appropriate action to all known
instances of bullying and harassment. Students are expected to treat each other and staff
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with respect and courtesy at all times. Bullying, including cyber bullying and harassment,
are categorised as gross misconduct and carry the most severe sanction.
All
allegations/incidents will trigger an investigation which could lead to disciplinary processes
in line with College misconduct procedures. Sanctions may include suspension whilst an
investigation takes place and permanent exclusion. The individual may choose to take legal
action with College support if appropriate.
All students, staff and other stakeholders have the responsibility to work together to ensure
that bullying and harassment does not occur, or where it is found, action is taken. All staff
are responsible for implementing the College Safeguarding Policy. It is mandatory that all
staff attend an annual safeguarding update to ensure they are aware of steps to take in the
event of problems relating to child protection and safeguarding. Advice and information in
relation to bullying and harassment will be available from appropriate staff and volunteers.
Students will be made aware of bullying, including cyber bullying harassment and
safeguarding as part of tutorial.
Staff receiving reports of bullying must take appropriate action and ensure the report is
investigated, and the student misconduct procedure followed.
5.1
Safeguarding the individual
 We will respect each other’s need for and rights to, a learning environment where
safety, security, praise, recognition and opportunity for taking responsibility are
available.
 We will respect every individual’s feelings and views.
 We will recognise that everyone is important and that our differences make each of
us special.
 We will show appreciation of others by acknowledging individual qualities,
contributions and progress.
 We will ensure safety by having anti-bullying rules and practices, developed with the
participation of students, carefully explained and displayed for all to see.
5.2
Support for students
Students can talk to their personal tutor, a youth worker, or another member of College
staff about any concerns they have about bullying or harassment.
This information is
promoted around the College.
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Systems are in place to encourage students who wish to talk about bullying, harassment or
any other issue that affects them. The well-being team and personal tutors are available
and accessible. Helpline numbers are displayed in the student common room, at the end of
this Policy and are also provided at various times of the year in the student ‘Grapevine’.
Anyone who reports an allegation/incident of bullying or harassment will be listened to
carefully and be supported. This support will be available to all involved throughout the
investigation process.
However, this is not a replacement for the College misconduct
procedure which will be followed at all times.
Allegations/incidents will be recorded and students will be told what is being recorded, in
what context and why.
5.3
Support for Parents/Carers
Parents/carers have access to this policy and practice about bullying via the College website.
Any incident of bullying will be discussed with the student’s parents/carers where
appropriate and agreements made as to what action should be taken subject to
compliance with the College misconduct procedure.
Support will be offered to the parents/carers, including where to obtain information from
other agencies or support lines.
Information and advice on coping with bullying will be given to all involved.
5.5
Useful Contacts
 NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000
 ChildLine 0800 500 / www.childline.org.uk
 Kidscape www.kidscape.org.uk
 Anti-Bullying Alliance www.antibullyingalliance.org
 Bullying UK www.bullyinguk.org.uk

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Students have been consulted on the development of the Policy and have named the aspects most
important to them, which have been included in this policy.
Students will be encouraged and supported to take a role in stopping bullying in their community.
This Policy will be reviewed regularly in the light of changing needs and changes adopted by other
agencies.
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