Purpose

The purpose of this anti-bullying protocol is to ensure that:

  • All children feel safe at De Hoeksteen so that they can develop optimally.
  • If undesirable situations arise, all parties have rules and agreements on the basis of which a solution can be sought.
  • Everyone involved with De Hoeksteen can count on support and respect.

By making rules and agreements visible, children and adults can address each other about these rules and agreements if undesirable situations arise.

1. Dealing with Bullying at School

Unfortunately, bullying occurs at every school, including ours. It is a problem that we acknowledge and take seriously at De Hoeksteen.

Conditions for addressing bullying:

  • Bullying must be seen as a problem by all directly involved parties: pupils (bullied children, bullies, and bystanders), teachers, and parents.
  • The school must actively work to prevent bullying.
  • Whether bullying is evident or not, the topic must be discussed with children, leading to the establishment of rules and codes of conduct.
  • If bullying occurs, children and their parents must be able to report it.
  • Teachers and educators must take a clear stance against bullying.
  • If bullying reoccurs despite efforts, a direct approach must be taken.
  • A confidential counselor has been appointed at the school.
  • If the problem is not resolved adequately, a confidential advisor may be involved to investigate, consult experts, and advise the appropriate authorities.

2. Recognizing Bullying

Bullying occurs at all grades of primary school.

Signs of bullying can include:

  • Always using a nickname instead of someone’s real name.
  • Making subtle, negative comments about a classmate.
  • Constantly blaming a classmate for something.
  • Passing notes, sending text messages, or WhatsApp messages to isolate or tease others.
  • Insulting, making negative comments about clothing, or excluding a student.
  • Hitting, kicking, or chasing after a victim outside school.
  • Taking possessions, swearing, or shouting at a victim.
  • Complaints about physical discomfort linked to stress or anxiety from bullying.

Teachers and parents must remain vigilant to the way children interact with one another and take a clear stance when behavior violates established norms.

3. Preventive Measures

  • Classroom Discussions: Topics such as safety, social roles, conflict resolution, and group dynamics are regularly discussed.
  • Structured Learning: Children participate in speeches, role-playing, and group assignments to understand their interactions better.
  • Awareness Training: Children are taught that jokes are not always perceived as harmless and must learn where the boundary between teasing and bullying lies.
  • Leading by Example: Teachers and parents must demonstrate respectful behavior as role models.

4. School Rules to Address Bullying

  • Reporting bullying is encouraged and not considered "snitching."
  • If a student cannot resolve an issue, they must report it to the teacher.
  • Fellow students also have a responsibility to report bullying to the teacher to maintain a positive classroom atmosphere.

5. Conflict Resolution in Four Steps

  1. Step 1: Students try to resolve the issue themselves.
  2. Step 2: If unresolved, a teacher must be informed.
  3. Step 3: The teacher mediates a discussion between involved parties.
  4. Step 4: If bullying continues, disciplinary action is taken, and parental involvement is required.

6. How Do We Want to Deal with This?

  • At school, we regularly discuss topics such as safety, social roles, conflict resolution, and working in groups.
  • Students engage in activities like speeches, role-playing, and rule-setting for interacting with others.
  • Children must understand the difference between innocent teasing and bullying.
  • Teachers and parents set an example, as a respectful climate reduces bullying.
  • Teachers take a clear stance against aggressive or harmful behavior.
  • An effective way to prevent bullying is to establish clear rules for students.

7. Key Rules for Preventing Bullying

Rule 1: Reporting to the teacher is not considered snitching. From an early age, children are taught that if they are bullied or have a problem they cannot resolve, they should seek help from a teacher.

Rule 2: Fellow students also have the responsibility to report bullying. A good classroom atmosphere depends on collective responsibility.

8. Consequences of Bullying

  • Warnings and reflection exercises.
  • Time-out sessions or detention.
  • Parental meetings.
  • If persistent, expert help may be sought (e.g., psychologist, social worker).
  • Severe cases may lead to suspension or expulsion.

9. Steps for Handling Repeated Bullying

Step 3:

  • The teacher brings the involved parties together for a clarifying conversation.
  • The goal is to resolve the issue collectively and establish new agreements.
  • If repeated bullying occurs, sanctions will be applied.

Step 4:

  • In cases of ongoing bullying, the teacher takes a firm stance.
  • A disciplinary conversation is held with the student responsible.
  • Repeated incidents are logged, detailing the circumstances.
  • After the third log entry, parents are formally informed of their child's behavior.

10. Consequences and Phases

If bullying persists, the following actions may be taken: Phase 1:

  • A time-out in a designated area.
  • Staying after school for a reflection assignment on bullying behavior.
  • A guided conversation to develop awareness and behavioral change.
  • Parental notification and initial discussion.

Phase 2:

  • If bullying continues, a formal discussion with parents is required.
  • Parental cooperation is sought to resolve the issue.

11. Supporting the Victim

  • Victims receive emotional support and coping strategies.
  • Parents are encouraged to maintain open communication with their children.
  • The school monitors well-being to prevent recurring incidents.

12. Parental Responsibilities

  • Parents of bullied children: Encourage resilience, confidence, and open communication.
  • Parents of bullies: Take the situation seriously, discuss consequences with their child, and reinforce positive behavior at home.

13. School Commitment

All teachers, staff, and students must adhere to this protocol to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment at De Hoeksteen Primary School.

For further information or concerns, contact the school’s confidential counselor or administration.

Tags