At Mead, we consider bullying to be behaviour that is:
- regularly repeated;
- intended to hurt someone either physically or emotionally;
- often aimed at certain groups of people e.g. because of their race, religion, ability.
Bullying can take many forms and can include:
- physical assault
- teasing
- making threats
- name calling
- cyberbullying. This can be using a mobile phone or online (e.g. email, social networks, instant messenger)
If you are being bullied, it’s important that you tell someone you trust.
- Bullying can make you feel sad and it’s okay to be upset about it. The important thing is that you tell someone about it straight away.
- Talk to an adult at school you trust or a family member. If you don’t want to do that you can always call Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk.
- You can use the school’s Worry Box. Ms Holmes will then speak with you and try to help.
- It can be tempting if you are being bullied to take revenge. This is not a good idea – you may get into trouble and can make the situation worse.
- Think about ways you can respond to bullying. For example, practice saying ‘I don’t like it when you say that/do that – please stop.’
- Only spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself. If someone constantly puts you down they are not a real friend.
- Remember to respect other people! Just because someone is different to you and your friends – that doesn’t mean you are better than them or have a right to make them feel bad. If you make a mistake, say sorry. You don’t have to be friends with everyone – but you should always make it clear that you don’t like it when people are unkind to others.
- It doesn’t matter what colour hair you have, how you speak, how you walk, how you talk, how clever you are or what you wear – it is not your fault if you are bullied.
We are all different in some way and that’s what makes us so special!
Anti-Bullying Code
| A | Always tell someone Tell a responsible adult or a friend, someone to resolve the situation. You WILL be taken seriously. |
| B | Be positive Try not to let the bully see that you are upset. Say no and walk away confidently. |
| C | Care for each other You have a responsibility to tell an adult if you know someone is being bullied. Don’t be a bystander. |