Addressing Bullying Type Behaviour in School - Parent/Carer Guide

What is bullying type behaviour?

Bullying type behaviour exists in all communities including schools. To respond to this, a new law commenced on 1st September 2021 in Northern Ireland. It provides schools with one legal definition to assess all reported alleged incidents of bullying type behaviour in schools.

Definition

1 In the Act “bullying” includes (but is not limited to) the repeated use of...

any verbal, written or electronic communication,
any other act, or
any combination of those, by a pupil or a group of pupils against another pupil
or group of pupils, with the intention of causing physical or emotional harm to that pupil or group of pupils.

For the purposes of subsection (1), “act” includes omission.

It is a statutory duty for schools to relationally support all pupils to address bullying type behaviour in a solution orientated manner.

We refer to the pupil experiencing bullying type behaviour rather than ‘victim’.

We refer to the pupil displaying bullying type behaviour instead of ‘bully’ or ‘perpetrator’.

We refer to behaviours as socially unacceptable behaviour or bullying type behaviour.

TRIP

When a concern of bullying type behaviour is shared, staff will clarify facts, perceptions and the individual needs of all those involved.

Staff will assess the reported incident using the TRIP criteria and select interventions aimed at repairing relationships.

Socially unacceptable behaviour becomes bullying type behaviour when, on the basis of the information gathered, TRIP is confirmed:

When the behaviour is TARGETED at a specific pupil or group of pupils.
When the behaviour is REPEATED over a period of time.
When the behaviour is deliberately INTENDED to cause harm
When the behaviour causes PSYCHOLOGICAL, EMOTIONAL and/or PHYSICAL harm.

A significant One-off Incident can be considered bullying type behaviour if included in the school policy e.g. where a digital communication has been repeatedly and intentionally shared to cause harm.

Imbalance of Power, Motivation and Methods

Imbalance of Power

When TRIP is fully evidenced, schools can consider the non statutory, imbalance of power, as a criteria to confirm their decision.

Motivation

Bullying type behaviour in school usually involves a breakdown in peer relationships. Motivation can be related to vulnerable, or minority groups based on

e.g. race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, age, appearance, child looked after (CLA), community background, cultural, family circumstances and political affiliation.

Method

Bullying type behaviour can present as relational, verbal or physical and can take place online or offline.

Signs that my child could be experiencing bullying type behaviour

Your child may behave differently or show some of the following signs if experiencing bullying type behaviour.

Refuses to go to school
Difficulty sleeping
Repeated physical injuries
Loss of appetite
Low mood
Avoids social interaction
Declining academic performance

Preventative Measures

Schools aim to create and maintain a safe, nurturing, learning environment. Measures are put in place to protect and support those children and young people experiencing or displaying bullying type behaviour to tackle the problem effectively.

All members of the school community have a responsibility to prevent and address bullying type behaviour, whether in person and/or online, as outlined in the school Addressing Bullying Type Behaviour Policy.

School staff work with pupils, parents and carers to agree a relational, solution focused plan to support those experiencing the behaviour and a separate plan for those displaying the behaviour. The legislation enables schools to address online bullying type behaviours occurring outside school, and/or on the journey to and from school where there is impact on the child’s learning.

What should I do if my child is experiencing bullying type behaviour?

Stay calm, listen and reassure your child.
Report concerns to school staff directly.
Agree a support plan with staff and your child.
Review and amend the plan with your child and school staff in response to outcome at agreed intervals.

How do I report my concern?

Reporting procedures are outlined in your school policy. Report your concern as soon as possible.
Arrange an appointment to meet pastoral staff.
Outline details of your concern and give staff time to gather information and consider supports.

Complaints

Parents and carers can access the school’s Complaints Policy on the school website or on request from the school office.