Bullying is usually the result of a stronger student or group of students exerting pressure on a child. It may take the following forms:

• Verbal: the child is called names, put down or threatened.
• Physical: the child is assaulted, hit, kicked, tripped or his or her property stolen.
• Social: the child is isolated, ignored, left out or rumours are circulated even online (Cyber-Bullying).
• Psychological: the child is followed, the target of dirty looks, or the victim of the silent treatment. It is important to remember that often the bully has support from other students, simply because the other children fear repercussions for themselves.
• Cyber-bullying: some individuals use the power of the internet for purposes such as posting quite personal information and for bullying and harassment. We can minimise the harm that such individuals do by teaching students how to use the internet safely and responsibly.

All incidents of Bullying at Al Amanah College are to be reported on the Bullying Harassment Reporting Form which will stored in the Bullying Harassment Reporting File for record keeping and processing in accordance with this policy

Research shows that:

• Generally boys are bullied individually
• Girls are bullied more often by groups
• Both boys and girls are subject to bullying

Each staff member is required to:

• Be a role model in word and action at all times.
• Be observant of signs of distress or suspected incidents of bullying.
• Make efforts to remove occasions for bullying by active patrolling during supervision duty.
• Arrive at class on time.
• Take steps to help targets and remove sources of distress without placing the target at further risk.
• Report suspected incidents to the appropriate staff member such as Class Teacher/Deputy Principal/Principal.
• Follow and teach the Social Skills Program and the Anti-Bullying Program and make them an integral part of the teaching cycle in class.

Students are required to:

• Refuse to be involved in any bullying situation.
• Take some form of appropriate preventative action.
• Report the incident or signs of distress.

Recommendations to parents:

• Watch for signs of distress in your child.
• Take an active interest in your child’s social life and acquaintances.
• Advise your child to tell a staff member about any incident.
• Inform the school if you suspect bullying.
• Keep a written record (who, what, when, where, why, how).
• Do not encourage your child to retaliate.
• Communicate to your child that parental involvement, if necessary, is appropriate.
• Be willing to attend interviews at the school if your child is involved in any bullying incident.
• Be willing to inform the school of any cases of suspected bullying even if your own child is not directly affected.