What is bullying?
The nationally agreed definition of bullying is as follows:
- This behaviour can harm people mentally, emotionally, socially and physically.
- The actual behaviour (for example, actions, looks, messages, confrontations or physical interventions) does not always need to be repeated for it to have an ongoing impact. The fear of behaviour reoccurring may have a lasting impact.
- Bullying is more likely to take place in the context of an existing imbalanced relationship, but may also occur where no previous or current relationship exists.
- Bullying may be carried out by an individual or can sometimes involve a group of people.
Bullying behaviour can include the following:
- Being called names, teased, put down or threatened (face to face and/or online).
- Being hit, tripped, pushed or kicked.
- Having belongings taken or damaged.
- Being ignored, left out or having rumours spread about you (face-to-face and/or online).
- Sending abusive messages, pictures or images on social media, online gaming platforms or phones/tablets.
- Behaviour which makes people feel like they are not in control of themselves or their lives (face-to-face and/or online).
- Being targeted because of who you are or who you are perceived to be (face to face and/or online).
- Increasing the reach and impact of bullying or prejudice through the recruitment and/ or involvement of a wider group.
What is not bullying?
Conflict – experiencing and learning to resolve conflict between peers is a natural part of growing up.
Criminal behaviour – behaviour that breaches the law such as physical, sexual and online actions or hate crimes can and will be dealt with by the police.
Viewforth staff will work with partners, including the police, wherever appropriate to deal with bullying or criminal behaviour.
Where can I get support if I’m worried about bullying?
School Contacts
Viewforth has a Year Team structure to support young people with any worries they may have at school including bullying. Depending on which year you are in you can speak to the following people:
S1/2
- Principal Teacher of Guidance – Mrs C. Beesley
- Principal Teacher of Guidance – Mrs L. Campbell
- Principal Teacher of Guidance – Mr C. Wilson
S3/4
- Principal Teacher of Guidance – Ms I. Barr
- Principal Teacher of Guidance – Mr B. Bowman
- Principal Teacher of Guidance – Mrs C. Edwards
S5/6
- Principal Teacher of Guidance – Mrs L. Robertson
Depending on the circumstances other colleagues will support all year teams:
- Principal Teacher Curriculum (Support) – Mrs L. Hill
- Principal Teacher of Extended Support Class – Mrs Y. Arnold
All of the above can be contacted at the school by:
- Phone – 01592 583408
- Email – Viewforthhs.enquiries.fife.gov.uk
Online Resources
You may wish to read some more to help you understand or manage the situation:
Young people
Parents and Carers
- CEOP Safety Centre – advice about staying safe online
Partner Agencies
There are partner agencies you can speak to for advice as well:
- Young people who would like someone to speak to:
- ChildLine – 0800 1111
- Parents and Carers who would like someone to speak to:
- ParentLine Scotland – 08000 28 22 33
How is bullying dealt with?
How to Report Bullying
All suspected bullying incidents should be reported using the Bullying Reporting Form (Appendix B)
- Parents can access this form via the school website.
- Staff can access digital copies on the school server, or paper copies from the school office and reprographics room.
- Young people can access the form from the School Office, the Pupil Support Classroom or the Support Hub.
How will staff respond?
Staff who witness incidents of bullying are expected to:
- Challenge the behaviours they see,
- Support the young people affected,
- Report the incident to the relevant Principal Teacher of Guidance.
How will reports be handled?
The staff member receiving the bullying report will:
- Treat the report sensitively
- Investigate the situation listening to both the person displaying bullying behaviour and the person experiencing bullying behaviour
- Liaise with the parents of the young people
- Will use their professional judgment to identify the appropriate strategies to resolve the situation
- Ensure the incident is logged in the Seemis Bullying and Equalities Module
- Check in on the parties involved in the situation no later than two weeks later to ensure the situation has not re-occurred.
- At this check-in point liaise with the parents to ensure they are aware of the outcome.
Actions taken by staff will reflect the specifics of each case and the situations for all involved. The objective will always be for the bullying to end.
Please find below the link to Viewforth High School’s Anti-Bullying procedures and Reporting Form:
