Is it bullying?

It is if you feel hurt because individuals or groups are:

• persistently calling you names;
• threatening you;
• pressuring you to give someone money or possessions;
• hitting/hurting you;
• damaging or taking your possessions;
• spreading rumours about you or your family;
• using text, email or web space to write or say hurtful things;
• giving you 'dirty looks'/pulling faces at you.

 It is bullying if you feel hurt because of things said about your ethnic background, religious faith, gender, sexuality, disability, special educational need, appearance or issues in your family.

Lindsworth School does not tolerate bullying. This is what we do about bullying:

• make sure that the person being bullied is safe;
• work to stop the bullying happening again;
• provide support to the person being bullied and the bully. 

 What should you do?

Talk to someone you trust and get them to help you take the right steps to stop the bullying.

If you feel you are being bullied:

• try to stay calm and look as confident as you can;
• be firm and clear - look them in the eye and tell them to stop;
• get away from the situation as quickly as possible;
• tell an adult what has happened straight away or, if you do not feel comfortable telling an adult, tell another student or use the SHARP system;
• write down what happened and who was involved.

If you are a victim of cyber bullying:

• Block the bully or report someone who is behaving badly.
• Don't retaliate or reply to any messages.
• Save the evidence - keep a record of any messages, pictures or online conversations.

We recognise the increase in the area of cyber bullying. The following advice will help to keep you safe:

1. Always respect others

Remember that when you send a message to someone, you cannot see the impact that your words or images have on the other person. That is why it is important to always show respect to people and be careful what you say online or what images you send. What you think is a joke may really hurt someone else. Always ask permission before you take a photo of someone. If you receive a rude or nasty message about someone, or a picture, do not forward it. You could be assisting a bully and even be accused of cyber bullying. You could also be breaking the law.

2. Think before you send

It is important to think before you send any images or texts about yourself, or someone else, by email or mobile phone, and before you post information on a website. Remember that what you send can be made public very quickly and could stay on line forever. Do you really want your teacher or future employer to see that photo?
 
Think about the information you have in the public domain. Be careful who you give your mobile phone number to, and consider whether, for example, you should remain a member of a network where people are treating you badly.

3. Treat your password like your toothbrush

Don't let anyone know your passwords. It is a good idea to change passwords on a regular basis. Choosing hard-to-guess passwords with symbols or numbers will help stop people hacking into your account and pretending to be you. Remember only to give your mobile number or personal website address to trusted friends.
 
If you have been bullied: 

• tell a teacher or another adult in school straight away;
• tell your family;
• if you are scared to tell a teacher or an adult on your own, ask a friend to go with you;
• keep on speaking until someone listens and does something to stop the bullying;
• don’t blame yourself for what has happened.

When you are talking to an adult about bullying be clear about:

• what has happened to you;
• how often it has happened;
• who was involved;
• who saw what was happening;
• where it happened;
• what you have done about it already.

If you find it difficult to talk to anyone at school or at home, ring the following number:

ChildLine - Freephone 0800 1111

This is a confidential helpline. If you are hard of hearing you can use the textphone 0800 400 222. You can also write to Freepost 1111, London Ni OBR. The phone call or letter is free.