Anti-Bullying
At St Patrick’s, we take bullying seriously and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students. We believe that working together with parents and guardians is key to preventing and addressing bullying effectively.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is deliberate, repeated, and harmful behaviour that can take different forms, including:
- Physical – Hitting, kicking, pushing, or damaging property.
- Verbal – Name-calling, threats, or offensive comments.
- Social – Spreading rumors, excluding someone, or public humiliation.
- Cyberbullying – Harassment via social media, text messages, or gaming platforms.
Bullying can have serious effects on a child’s mental health, self-esteem, and academic performance.
Signs Your Child Might Be Experiencing Bullying
Your child may not always tell you if they are being bullied. Look out for:
- Unexplained injuries or damaged belongings.
- Reluctance to go to school or sudden drop in academic performance.
- Changes in mood, such as sadness, withdrawal, or anxiety.
- Trouble sleeping or frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches.
- Avoiding social situations or changes in friendships.
If you notice any of these signs, talk to your child in a supportive and non-judgmental way.
What to Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied
- Listen calmly and reassure them – Let them know it’s not their fault.
- Encourage them to talk to a trusted staff member – If they feel uncomfortable, you can report it on their behalf.
- Contact the school – Speak to their form tutor or head of year so the issue can be addressed.
- Support your child emotionally – Boost their confidence by encouraging friendships, hobbies, and open communication.
- Monitor their online activity – Cyberbullying can be difficult to detect; ensure privacy settings are secure and report inappropriate content.
How We Address Bullying at St Patrick’s
- Clear anti-bullying policies and reporting procedures.
- Trained staff to support students and handle incidents sensitively.
- Trained student anti-bullying ambassadors to educate and support others.
- Anti-bullying PSHE lessons, assemblies and peer-mentor support programmes.
- Consequences and education for those engaging in bullying behaviour.
- Support for victims, including counselling and specialist pastoral care.
We encourage parents to work with us to reinforce positive behavior and respect at home.
Preventing Bullying – How You Can Help
- Talk about kindness and respect – Encourage empathy and inclusivity.
- Teach your child how to respond – Ignoring bullies, standing firm, and seeking help are key strategies.
- Foster open communication – Make sure your child feels comfortable discussing school life with you.
- Be a role model – Show positive ways to handle conflict and treat others with respect.
Useful Resources for Parents
NSPCC – Advice on bullying and online safety.
Anti-Bullying Alliance – Resources and guidance for parents.
Childline – A helpline for children to talk confidentially (0800 1111).
Internet Matters – Information on keeping children safe online.
If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Let’s work together to keep our school a safe and supportive place for every child.