Anti-Bullying

Winterbourne Academy is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all our students. Bullying in any form - whether verbal, physical, online, or social - is never acceptable, and we take it seriously.

This page provides information on how to recognise bullying, how to seek help, and what support is available to students who are affected. If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, please remember that you are not alone - help is always available. We encourage students, parents, and staff to work together to ensure that everyone feels safe and valued in our school community.

You can see our Anti-Bullying Policy here.

What is bullying?

There is no legal definition of bullying; however, the Department for Education (DfE) defines bullying as behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, that is intended to hurt or harm another individual or group, either physically or emotionally. Bullying is often, but not always, aimed at certain groups because of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Encouraging respect and awareness to prevent bullying

Teaching children to respect others and understand the impact of bullying is key to creating a kinder, more inclusive environment. By discussing bullying openly, whether it’s on TV, online, or in real life, you can help your child recognise its harm and develop empathy. Encouraging conversations about their school experiences and the different forms of bullying, from name-calling to exclusion, empowers them to stand up for themselves and others. Here are our top tips:

Teach your child to be respectful of others and model this.
When you see bullying happening on TV or in real life, talk about it and say it’s wrong. Discuss how the victim might feel. This helps your child empathise with others, thus stopping them from bullying and also helping others who might be bullied.
Ask them about what they’ve learnt in school and talk about bullying.
Discuss all types of bullying; spread rumours, name-calling, leaving someone out of an activity, nasty comments online.

How do you know if your child is being bullied?

Recognising the signs of bullying is crucial in supporting your child’s well-being. If your child is being bullied, they may show changes in behaviour, become more withdrawn, or suddenly lose interest in school, sometimes even faking illness to avoid going. Physical signs like bruises or changes in eating habits can also be warning signals. By staying aware of these signs, you can step in early and offer the support they need.

What to do if your child is being bullied?

If your child is being bullied, it’s important to offer them reassurance and support. Stay calm, listen carefully, and praise them for opening up. Let them know they are not alone and that you will work together to find a solution. Show them love and protection, as they may be feeling anxious, and involve them in deciding the next steps while ensuring they feel fully supported.

Find out the facts.
Praise them for telling you and tell them you will solve it together.
Remain calm and let your child talk to you while you listen carefully.
Make them feel loved and protected as they will be feeling anxious.
Ask your child what they would like to do next and make sure you support them, whatever their decision.

Then:

Note down details and keep a diary if you are unsure whether it is bullying.
Keep any emails, text messages, comments, tweets, chats etc.
Let the school know (see below for ways to do this)
Make a plan together and agree a timeline for actions.
Pass all details onto the school.

How can bullying be reported?

Students or parents can report bullying to us through any of these ways:

Through support from peers
Via conversations with their tutor
Through the Heads of Year/SSA/Inclusion team. This can be the victim or someone who has seen bullying occur.
Request a 1:1 conversation with any member of the Pastoral Team
Face to face with any member of school staff
By talking to parents who are then encouraged to talk to their child's Tutor or Head of Year
Using the school anonymous reporting system

Our top tips for for teenagers

Avoid the bully wherever possible.
Stay in a group.
Tell an adult you trust – it’s better to share it and get some help in sorting things out.
Try and stay calm as the bullies may enjoy winding you up.
Remind yourself that you have done nothing to deserve it.
You could try and ignore it and go somewhere else.
Try calm statements like: “I’m sorry you feel that way cos I actually like you” or “I don’t understand why you are doing this. I’d like it to stop” or “Please leave me alone now”.
Or annoy them calmly by saying very banal statements: “Whatever” or “If you say so” or “Yes, I am gay, so what?” or "Maybe you’re right”. Don’t try this indefinitely though!

Why do people bully?

Understanding why people bully can help us address the issue and create a more supportive school environment. Bullying often stems from a need for control, personal insecurities, difficulties at home, or they may be being bullied themselves. Some people bully to fit in, while others may not realise the impact of their actions. By recognising these reasons, we can work together to promote kindness, empathy, and respect within our school community.

Where can I find out more?

If you're a parent seeking support and guidance on bullying issues, the following organisations offer valuable resources and can offer guidance, support, and practical steps to address and prevent bullying.

NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children): Provides advice on how to help children deal with bullying and cyberbullying.
Anti-Bullying Alliance: Offers advice and support for parents and carers, including an interactive information tool.
Kidscape: Empowers parents and carers with practical advice and support to tackle bullying.
Family Lives: Provides a confidential helpline offering support on various parenting issues, including bullying.
YoungMinds: Offers information and advice for parents concerned about bullying and its impact on their child's mental health.
GOV.UK: Official government guidance on reporting bullying at school and where to get help and advice.
www.childline.org.uk and www.familylives.org.uk: Help and advice on a range of issues.