Stop Bullying

 

Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.

Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records).

Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.
Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.

Some common reasons why someone may bully others

• To gain a sense of power among their classmates.
• To get attention or become popular.
• They are scared, so they try to scare others to hide their feelings.
• They are unhappy and take it out on others.
• They are being bullied themselves.
• To get things they want.
• To copy someone they admire.
• To make themselves feel better when they are feeling bad about themselves or jealous of someone else.
• Because they feel that another person is becoming more popular than they are in their group.
• They hope to use it as a way to make people be their friend.

While bullying can happen to any student, it is know that some are more likely than others to be bullied. Vulnerable groups include students with disabilities or special educational needs, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex (LGBTI) students and those perceived to be LGBTI, and students of a culture, race or religion that differs from the main culture, race or religion at the school.