Bullying is
usually repeated behaviour which attacks, or harasses, another person or group
of people. It could be physical, verbal or psychological. Bullying behaviour can even
occur unintentionally - if we are insensitive to the feelings and safety of
others. "It was only a joke" or "He doesn't mind" or "He's a friend of mine"
are never acceptable excuses for bullying behaviour.
Not all conflict between people is bullying. Bullying is
usually repeated behaviour over time and often involves an imbalance of power in some
way.
Bullying can
be...
Physical bullying,such as –
kicking, punching, pushing, shoving, spitting, fighting, damaging or
destroying other people's property, jostling, pinching, touching, or
physical intimidation.
Verbal bullying,
such as – offensive or abusive comments, sarcasm, crude jokes and
comments, ridiculing appearance, actions or beliefs, teasing or putting
other people down (sledging and pay outs), verbal intimidation, whistling.
Electronic bullying,
such as – obscene or threatening phone calls, texting and
emails, or internet postings about people.
Social bullying,
such as – exclusion (rejection from groups), spreading rumours,
gossip, racial or sexual comments, graffiti or notes about others.
Emotional bullying,
such as – victimisation, instilling fear in others, extortion
(forcing other students to hand over money, food or other possessions),
forcing other students to do their work.
At Villanova, bullying is
never acceptable.
Students, staff members and parents are asked to REPORT all incidents of
bullying behaviour to the Pastoral Care Team in the Junior, Middle or Senior
School as appropriate. Each report of bullying will be acted upon and
investigated as appropriate.
To
report incidences of bullying, or other concerns relating to bullying, you
may wish to use our electronic "Bully Box" HERE. Messages posted in the
Bully Box will be passed on to the relevant Pastoral Care Team Member.
Villanova Anti-Bullying
Campaign
As a school community, we can significantly reduce
the incidence of bullying behaviour if everyone in our community makes it
clear that such behaviour is not acceptable. This is the focus of our
Anti-Bullying Campaign begun in 2007.
Teachers, parents and students working together can create a culture where
it is simply unacceptable to bully someone else.
As
part of our education campaign, a series of colourful posters is currently
displayed around the College to remind students and staff that, together, we
CAN make a difference.
The
series consists of three different sets of posters - one for each of the
three Sub-Schools. Along with anti-bullying messages, the posters remind us
of our cherished Augustinian values of friendship and community.
As a
school community we are encouraging everyone -
parents, staff and students
-
to sign up to pledge:
not to be involved in bullying behaviour themselves,
and
to help those who are affected by bullying.
The
Anti-Bullying Pledge is totally voluntary.
By
signing up, you can show your support for reducing the incidence of bullying
in our community.
By
signing the pledge, you are saying that you will not bully others, and that
you will help reduce bullying by not joining in if you see others bullying.
