National Anti-Bullying Week

National Anti Bullying is designed to raise awareness of anti-bullying initiative among children, young people and adults across the UK.
At St John Bosco Arts College the Pupil Progress Coordinator will lead an assembly for their year group and will focus on strategies and issues related to bullying.
During form period the Form Tutors will invite the girls to participate in discussions and activities linked to this theme.
At St John Bosco Arts College we have clearly defined Bullying Policy and work extremely hard to ensure that all members of the school community are aware of what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.

Bullying poster by Lesedi Tefo (Year 7 Student)

Telling someone is often easier than it sounds. First of all you need to find someone that you trust and who will listen to you. You also want them to take it seriously. When you tell someone, be clear about what you want done. If you don't want them to tell anyone else then make sure you tell them this. You can tell anyone including a friend, parent, teacher, mentor or even the police. If you find it difficult to talk to someone face to face then try to write it down - this will help you get a clear picture of what you want to say. Make sure you tell the truth and do not exaggerate which could get you into more trouble. Some people keep a diary of things that happen to them so that they can remember the exact details when they need to speak about it.

Being bullied can be very frightening. It is seeing people's fear that the bully often enjoys and can make them feel more powerful than they actually are. Try not to show them how frightened and upset you are by keeping a relaxed body posture. Take deep (silent) breaths which will help you relax your body and mind.

If you keep eye contact with the bully when they are harassing you it will make you look confident even if you feel scared inside.

If you are in danger or just had enough, call over someone to help you. This strategy could also embarrass or scare the bully away at that moment.

This can be a difficult thing to do, but if you can think of an obscure comment, gesture or joke it can confuse the bully. Or try the 'AND' method. Every time the bully says something you don't like just say 'and' back to them.

Try using 'I' statements to explain what you don't like them doing, how it makes you feel, and that you think it is wrong. Let them know that you won't stay quiet about it if it continues.

Try to do something about dealing with the bullying, whatever that something is, before you try to get help from other people.

Save the evidence including all e-mails, texts and postings from the bullies. You will need this evidence to report it to teachers or the authorities. Don't react no matter how angry or upset you are - never reply to nasty e-mails or texts - report and save the evidence. Don't reveal personal details online including your phone number of passwords. Make sure you have strong passwords.

Get some assertiveness or confidence building training. Take up self defence classes such as taekwondo or a sport. Join a peer mentor group.