At Kewstoke we are committed to developing an anti-bullying culture where the bullying of adults, children or young people is not tolerated in any form.

Bullying can take place Face to Face, Online, on games and apps and on Social Media platforms and can take many different forms including physical and emotional.  Kewstoke aims to prevent and tackle all forms of bullying by teaching our children what is safe and unsafe behaviour, what is a healthy friendship and the difference between jokes and banter and when this becomes bullying.

By effectively preventing and tackling bullying our school can help to create a safe and disciplined environment, where pupils are able to learn and fulfil their potential.

Why is bullying a safeguarding concern?

Whether bullying is taking place online or in person, children are negatively impacted and affected by it.  They can be physically and emotionally hurt by bullying behaviours and it is important that as a school and parents we take steps to make sure that children are supported and that we address bullying directly.

What can you do if you are worried your child is being bullied?

• reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you and can always talk to a trusted adult
• let them know who can help them
• report the bullying to school
• report the bullying to the platform/social media app
• remind your child that online behaviour can also be bullying
• talk to your child:  tell them about what a healthy friendship looks like
• show your child what is safe behaviour

What work do we do in school to address bullying?

• Listening to all children who are involved
• Support for children
• Pastoral support work:  1:1 or nurture sessions
• A curriculum that discusses online safety/safe behaviours
• Small groups focusing on healthy friendships and healthy online behaviours
• Individual work with those that are displaying bullying behaviours
• Assemblies to talk about expectations of behaviour
• External organisations to teach children about bullying, to gain support for children who have been bullied
• Clear focus on Respect throughout the school
• Challenge of "banter" and how this links to bullying
• Listening to what parents are saying about how we manage bullying and supporting parents

If you are concerned that your child is being bullied or is bullying someone please contact the school and talk to the Safeguarding Team