Bullying is targeted behaviour, online or offline that causes harm. The harm caused can be physical, social and/or emotional in nature. Bullying behaviour is repeated over time and involves an imbalance of power in relationships between two people or groups of people in society.

-          ensure that the student experiencing bullying behaviour is heard and reassured

-          seek to ensure the privacy of those involved

-          conduct all conversations with sensitivity

-          consider the age and ability of those involved

-          listen to the views of the student who is experiencing the bullying behaviour as to how best to address the situation

-          take action in a timely manner

-          inform parents of those involved

·       Teachers will take a calm, unemotional problem-solving approach when dealing with incidents of bullying behaviour reported by pupils, staff or parents.

·       Once it has been established that bullying has occurred the teacher dealing with the bullying will first interview the child experiencing bullying behaviour and discuss the feelings the child experienced because of the bullying behaviour.

·       It is important to listen to the views of the student who is experiencing the bullying behaviour as to how best to address the situation.

·       If a group is involved each member will be interviewed individually at first. Thereafter, all those involved will be met as a group providing the child allegedly experiencing the bullying is comfortable to do this.

·       At the group meeting, each member will be asked for his/her account of what happened to ensure that everyone in the group is clear about the other's statements.

·       Each member of a group will be supported through the possible pressures that they may face from the other members of the group after interview by the teacher.

·       The teacher will inform the Principal of the bullying behaviour.

·       At this stage the Principal will not become involved if it is felt that the issue can be resolved by the class teacher. 

·       Parents of students who have experienced bullying behaviour and who have displayed bullying behaviour will be informed at an early stage.

·       A record should be kept of the engagement with all involved – (See appendices of policy)

·       Where the teacher has determined that a pupil has engaged in bullying behaviour, it will be made clear to him/her how he/she is in breach of the school's Bí Cineálta policy and efforts will be made to try to get him/her empathise with the pupil experiencing bullying behaviour.

·       The child/ children involved will be asked to assure the teacher and the child experiencing the bullying behaviour that further incidents will not take place (Promise form see appendices)

·       The primary objective at this first stage will be to restore the relationship between parties involved. This may involve employing strategies specific to the situation.

·       Ongoing extra supervision will be arranged if necessary (e.g. making other staff members aware of what has occurred/ or the outcomes etc.)

·       Important factors to consider as part of this engagement are the nature of the bullying behaviour, the effectiveness of the strategies used to address the bullying behaviour and the relationship between the students involved.

·       The teacher will document the review with students and their parents to determine if the bullying behaviour has ceased and the views of the student and their parents in relation to this.

·       The date that it has been determined that the bullying behaviour has ceased should also be recorded.

·       Any engagement with external services/supports should also be noted.

·       Ongoing supervision and support may be needed for the students involved even where bullying behaviour has ceased.

·       If it is determined that the bullying behaviour has not ceased, then the process will proceed to Stage 2 outlined below.

·       Meeting with the students involved to review the situation in detail, ensuring that all parties have an opportunity to express their concerns and perspectives.

·       A thorough assessment of the situation will be conducted to determine whether further strategies or additional supervision measures need to be implemented to prevent further incidents of bullying.

·       The Principal may also arrange meetings with the parents or guardians of the students involved. These meetings will serve to collaboratively discuss the ongoing issues, put in place further interventions, and develop a tailored plan of action aimed at addressing the bullying behaviour. The focus of the plan will be on fostering positive behavioural change, promoting respect, and ensuring the well-being of all students.

·       A second promise form may be signed by the child displaying bullying behaviour if the Principal deems it to be appropriate (It may be counter signed by the parents if the Principal deems appropriate)

·       The school will work closely with parents to monitor progress, provide ongoing support, and ensure that both the student experiencing the bullying behaviour and the student displaying bullying behaviour receive the necessary guidance and support to resolve the situation effectively.

·       Continuous monitoring and follow-up will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the interventions, with the aim of ending the bullying behaviour.

·       If, after all interventions and supports have been implemented at this stage, it is determined that the bullying behaviour has not ceased, the process will proceed to Stage 3, as detailed below.

Where this occurs, it is important that the staff member:

·       Shows empathy to the student

·       Deals with the matter sensitively

·       Speaks to the student to work together on steps that can be taken to address the matter and how their parents will be informed of the situation

·       It is important that the student who has experienced bullying behaviour feels safe

However, while acknowledging the child’s request, schools may decide that, based on the circumstances, it is appropriate to address the bullying behaviour.

However, while acknowledging the parent’s request, schools may decide that, based on the circumstances, it is appropriate to address the bullying behaviour.

In the context of this policy, placing a once-off offensive or hurtful public message, image or statement on a social network site or other public forum where that message, image or statement can be viewed and/or repeated by other people will be regarded as bullying behaviour and the school reserves the right to inform parents where this occurs.

A school is not expected to deal with bullying behaviour that occurs when students are not under the care or responsibility of the school. However, where this bullying behaviour has an impact in school, schools are required to support the students involved. Where the bullying behaviour continues in school, schools should deal with in accordance with the Bí Cineálta policy.

·       In the event that a parent is dissatisfied with how a complaint has been handled, a parent may make a complaint to the Ombudsman for Children if they believe that the school’s actions have had a negative effect on the student.