Understanding Unkindness vs. Bullying
It’s crucial for students, parents, and educators alike to distinguish between bullying and unkind behaviour. Bullying typically involves a power imbalance, where one student repeatedly targets another in a deliberate attempt to cause harm. In contrast, unkindness can be a one-off comment or action that, while hurtful, may not be intended to cause deep or lasting harm. Understanding this distinction helps us respond appropriately and teaches students to handle different types of adversity.
Building Resilience in our Children
Parents play a pivotal role in building their child’s resilience. Here are some strategies to consider:
Model Resilience: Children learn a great deal from observing how their parents handle challenges. Show them how you manage stress, resolve conflicts, and move forward after setbacks.
Foster Open Communication: Create an environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their feelings and experiences. Listen without judgment and offer guidance on how to navigate difficult situations.
Encourage Independence: Allow your child to face challenges and solve problems on their own. While it’s tempting to step in and fix things, giving them the space to handle situations builds confidence and resilience.
Teach Perspective: Help your child understand that not every unkind comment is a reflection of their worth. Encourage them to see the bigger picture and not let isolated incidents define their self-esteem.
Support Their Passions: Involvement in activities they love can provide a positive outlet and a sense of accomplishment. This, in turn, can help them build a strong identity that is less vulnerable to the opinions of others.
By distinguishing between bullying and unkindness, and by equipping our students with the tools to navigate these challenges, we can foster a school environment where resilience thrives. Together, as educators and parents, we can help our students build the strength they need to face the ups and downs of life with confidence and grace.
Rockhampton Girls Grammar School – Bullying Policy
At Rockhampton Girls Grammar School, we are committed to fostering a safe and nurturing environment where every student can thrive. Our school has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, and we believe that by working together, we can create a positive and respectful atmosphere for all.
What is Bullying?
Bullying takes many forms, all of which are unacceptable. Examples of bullying behaviour include:
Verbal Bullying: This involves name-calling, spreading malicious rumours, belittling others, making derogatory comments about someone's appearance, social, cultural, or religious beliefs, or making threats.
Physical Bullying: Actions like hitting, pushing, tripping, taking or damaging belongings, and non-verbal gestures intended to intimidate fall under this category.
Emotional Bullying: This includes ignoring, excluding, ostracizing, circulating offensive notes, graffiti, or pressuring others to act against their will.
Cyber Bullying: Offensive messages or posts on social media, impersonation, exclusion from online groups, and sharing inappropriate material are forms of cyberbullying.
Sexual Bullying: Unwanted sexual attention, teasing about sexual orientation, and sharing sexually explicit content intended to harass are all examples of sexual bullying.
Our Approach to Discouraging Bullying
At Rockhampton Girls Grammar School, we take several steps to discourage and address bullying:
Education and Awareness: We engage students across all year levels in anti-bullying education, including responsible bystander behaviour and reporting information.
Pastoral Care Program: Anti-bullying messages are incorporated into the curriculum, and we promote a culture of care, inclusion, and support throughout the school.
Supervision and Intervention: Staff actively supervise students and intervene when necessary. Various age-appropriate interventions are used to address and discourage bullying behaviour.
Community Involvement: We participate in annual events that raise awareness and discourage bullying, such as the 'Day for Dolly.'
Policy Accessibility: Our Student Bullying Policy is available on the school’s website for all members of the community to access.
Responsibilities Within Our School Community
Creating a safe and positive environment is a shared responsibility:
Staff: All employees at Rockhampton Girls Grammar School are expected to be familiar with the Student Bullying Policy, recognise bullying behaviour, and act as positive role models. They are also responsible for reporting incidents and participating in professional development on bullying prevention.
Parents: We ask parents to familiarise themselves with our policy, encourage their children to report bullying, and support the school’s processes if their child is involved in a bullying incident.
Students: Students are expected not to participate in bullying behaviour and to report any instances of bullying they witness or experience.
Reporting and Support
If you or your child experience or witness bullying, we encourage you to report it immediately. You can do so by speaking to a staff member or through our online reporting system. Our school is committed to addressing all reports of bullying promptly and ensuring that appropriate action is taken.
Together, we can make Rockhampton Girls Grammar School a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. Let’s continue to support each other and stand united against bullying.
Sammy Cobon
Deputy Principal - Students
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