Anti-bullying at St John’s

Bullying is anti-social behaviour perpetrated by an individual or group, repeated over time that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally.

Bullying is different from conflict.

Conflict is a disagreement or argument in which both sides express their views. In cases of conflict:

  • There is equal power in the relationship
  • Both children upset
  • Children feel remorse
  • The children want to solve problem and restore the relationship
  • Conflict happens occasionally
  • Conflict is not usually damaging

Bullying is repeated negative behaviour directed by someone exerting power and control over another person. In cases of bullying:

  • There is an imbalance of power
  • The victim is upset, the bully is not.
  • The bully has no remorse.
  • The bully doesn’t see the need for resolution
  • The situation is ongoing
  • There can be serious emotional or physical effects.

We are committed to providing a caring, friendly, respectful and safe learning environment for all of our pupils.

Bullying of any kind, involving pupils, adults towards pupils, staff or parents is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at St John’s.

We understand the devastating effect being bullied can have and we will deal with all incidents quickly and effectively.

Advice for parents

If your child is being bullied:

  • Take time to listen to your child and stay calm, acknowledging how they are feeling.
  • Calmly talk with your child.
  • Explain to them that bullying is unacceptable and that no one should have to put up with it. Promise to do all you can to stop it.
  • Write down what your child has said. If it involves cyber-bullying, keep any evidence of emails and texts.
  • Encourage your child to talk to their teacher or someone at the school.
  • We ask that you refrain from intervening by talking to other children or children’s parents, but instead, please let us know.
  • Contact your child’s class or form teacher as soon as possible to let them know your concerns. The school will take any incident of bullying extremely seriously and will deal with it quickly to find out why it has happened and to prevent it happening again.
  • If you are not satisfied with the response you get and any action taken, you should contact the class teacher or Headteacher with your concerns.
  • We are confident that we will deal with bullying in an effective way, however, if you remain dissatisfied, you should follow our complaints procedure.

What to do if your child is bullying someone else:

It can be a shock to parents and carers that their child could be bullying another child in the school. There are many reasons why some children and young people bully others. Sometimes it’s because they are copying someone at school or elsewhere, or being encouraged to bully or that they have been a victim of bullying themselves. It may be hard to spot although one sign could be that they come home with toys, food and other things that you have not bought for them.

Children who bully others may also suffer from long lasting consequences and may continue with bullying behaviour into their adult lives. It is important that children receive help and the issues are dealt with straight away. You should:

  • Talk with your child and explain why bullying is wrong.
  • Make an appointment to speak to their class teacher to talk about how the bullying can be dealt with.

For further information visit;

General Advice

What is Cyber Bullying?

Childline – Types of Bullying
verywell family – How to Tell the Difference Between Conflict and Bullying