General
Name-calling, physical aggression and intimidation.
Bí Cineálta · Anti-Bullying
Every child has the right to feel safe
A clear, caring approach to preventing and addressing bullying. This page is a friendly summary - the full policy document is the authoritative version.
What we mean by bullying
“Bullying is unwanted negative behaviour - verbal, psychological or physical - conducted by an individual or group against another person (or persons), and which is repeated over time.”
Isolated incidents are not classed as bullying; however, a once-off offensive public message posted on a social network does count as bullying.
Adopted 20 Oct 2022 · last reviewed 20 Oct 2023. Aligned with the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (Sept 2013).
Key principles
The foundations of our approach
- A positive school culture that welcomes diversity
- Effective leadership from the Board and principal
- A school-wide, shared approach and understanding
- Education and prevention - including cyber-bullying and identity-based bullying
- Supervision of higher-risk areas
- Ongoing professional development for staff
What we address
The forms bullying can take
Recognising the different kinds of bullying helps us prevent and respond to each one.
Cyber-bullying
Denigration, harassment, impersonation and cyber-stalking.
Identity-based
Homophobic, racist and disability-related bullying.
Relational
Exclusion, gossip and manipulation.
Sexual harassment
Unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature.
How we investigate
- 1 Staff respond calmly, using a problem-solving approach
- 2 The relevant parties are spoken with, and parents/guardians are contacted
- 3 Staff determine whether bullying has occurred and put supports in place
- 4 The situation is followed up within 20 school days
Supports for children
- SPHE and the Stay Safe programme
- Buddy systems and mentoring
- Circle time and group work
- Consultation with NEPS when needed
- Self-esteem building
High-risk areas are supervised, and social-networking sites are blocked on the school network.
We’re here to help
Worried about something? Talk to us
If you have any concern about your child’s wellbeing, please contact the school - we’ll listen and act.