Anti-Bullying Cell

Introduction

 

Bullying has been a constant problem since the creation of the school. When large numbers of children are constrained together in the same environment for some period of time.It is likely that some abuse of power may occur in relationships. This can happen of course in other institutions and there is substantial literature on workplace bullying , prison bullying and abuse in the home.

 

What is Bullying?

Intentional behavior , whih is typically repeated , that hurts or humiliates a student either physically or emotionally and can happen while at school , in the community.

 

Definition of Bullying.

·         Bullying can be characterized by repeated , unprovoked harassment of another individual in which that individual has difficulty defending him or herself.

·         Behaviour by an individual or group usually repeated over time that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally.

 

 

 

Types of Bullying

1. Physical Bullying

2. Verbal Bullying

3. Social Bullying

4. Cyber Bullying

5. Emotional Bullying

 

1. Physical Bullying:

·         Hurting someone’s body or possessions.

·         Harmful actions against another person’s body.

·         Examples : Hitting ,kicking , pinching, spitting, tripping , pushing , taking or breaking someone’s things , making rude hand gestures.

 

2. Verbal Bullying:

·         Verbal bullying is a means of using words in a negative way such as insults , teasing  and put downs.

·         Examples: Teasing ,name calling , inappropriate sexual comments , taunting , threatening to cause harm.

 

3. Social Bullying:

·         Hurting someone’s reputation or relationships.

·         Leaving someone out on purpose.

·         Telling other children not to be friends with someone.

·         Spreading rumors.

·         Embarrassing someone in public.

 

4.Cyber Bullying:

·         Takes place using electronic technology.

·         Sending mean text messages or emails.

·         Spreading rumors via email or social networking sites.

·         Sharing embarrassing pictures , videos , websites or fake profiles.

 

5.Emotional Bullying:

·         Behavioral actions designed to harm a child’s reputation or cause humiliation.

·         Examples: Giving dirty looks, excluding people, spreading rumors , ignoring people.

 

         ANTI BULLING (RAGGING) COMMITTEE

We at Mount Carmel believe in providing quality education that is built upon a ‘civilization of love’ and was the vision of our foundress Mother Teresa of St. Rose of Lima. This led the sisters of St.Teresa to embark on their journey to serve the society, empowering the marginalized sections to attain their God given dignity with education. Our vision and mission today state the same and is an imprint of her vision. So we at MCS strive to teach and make our students conscious of human life as God’s precious gift. No one can abuse life in any form.

The management ensures a safe and healthy environment for students and staff in our MCS School. Policies regarding, child protection, positive behavior and discipline and acceptable usage of internet are stated in our handbook. It is clearly communicated to students & parents at the start of every year through orientations, seminars and workshops. Therefore, Bullying is strictly prohibited inside the school premises or through media, consequently strict actions are taken against defaulters.

 

Responsibilities of Stake Holders

a) The target

·          To report an incident to a responsible adult immediately.

·          Not to fight back or deal with the situation without the help / advice of an adult.

 

b) The bully

·          To stop bullying.

·          To try to imagine how they would feel if the tables were turned.

 

c) All

·          Report all bullying incidents to an adult.

·          Support the victim.

·          Avoid being a ‘passive bully’ by watching or laughing while another person does the bullying.

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Staff Responsibilities

·          To treat immediately any report of bullying seriously.

·          To listen to all parties involved in incidents.

·          To investigate as fully as possible.

·          To take action or refer the matter to anti bullying committee.

·          To record all incidents.

·          To promote the range of teaching and learning styles and strategies which challenge the bullying behavior.

·          To foster by example the values of respect, equality, fairness and caring that we believe and uphold in our school

·          To assist all students to understand the responsibilities through support club, assemblies, counseling session

 

 

The Responsibilities of Parents

We ask our parents to support their children and the school by:

·          Watching for signs of distress or unusual behavior in their children, which might be the evidence of bullying (Withdrawal, secretiveness, depression, poor self image, violent or abrasive behavior)

·          Advising their children to report any form of bullying to a member of staff/specific post

 

Preventive Measures:

PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH INCIDENTS OF BULLYING

 

Following are Steps taken to support and respond to the needs of both bullied and bullying pupils.

·          Records are kept

·          Action to be taken

·          Contacting parents of all pupils concerned in the bullying incident.

·          Feedback to those concerned.

·          Sanctions.

·          Contacting relevant professionals E.g : Behavior Management Team, Pupil Personal Development Team, Psychologist, Anti-Bullying Committee Counselors.

 

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF

 

Workshops, Seminars, Induction Programmers are organized to sensitize staff members for prevention of bullying. for reporting bullying incident within the classrooms and the playground. Talk by the counselors, complaint box is installed at different locations. Review of the bullying policies twice in a year, feedback is also collected from the disciplinary in charges to take appropriate actions. Full time counselors are appointed for primary, middle and senior sections to resolve the issues of bullying within the time framed.
All documentation regarding bullying incidents is retained securely with the school psychologist.

 

FORMS OF BULLYING

·          Physical violence such a hitting, pushing or spitting at another pupil

·          Interfering with another pupil’s property by stealing, hiding or damaging it

·          Using offensive names when addressing another pupil.

·          Teasing or spreading rumors about another pupil or her family.

·          Belittling another pupil’s abilities and achievements.

·          Writing offensive notes or graffiti about another pupil.

·          Excluding another pupil from a group activity.

·          Ridiculing another pupil’s appearance, way of speaking or personal mannerisms. Misusing technology (internet or mobiles) to hurt or humiliate another person.

 

Reporting procedures for Students:

Whom to tell or report?

·          Parents

·          Anti Bullying Committee Members(School)

·          Teachers

·          Friends who will speak on your behalf

How to tell?

·          Direct approach to teacher at an appropriate time

·          Make a phone call to the school or to a trusted teacher in the school.

·          Email the school

·          Get a parent or friend to tell on your behalf

·          Parents can inform the school

·          Witnesses can inform any trusted adult  of the school.

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