Anti-bullying

Bullying is behaviour not tolerated by NSW Public Schools.

Bullying can happen anywhere: at school, in sporting teams, between neighbours. Bullying can take on various forms including giving nasty looks, making rude gestures, calling names, being rude and impolite, spreading stories and rumours and teasing.

This behaviour may include:

• keeping someone out of a group
• acting in an unpleasant way near someone
• 'mucking about' that goes too far
• harassment or any form of discrimination based on disability, gender, race or religion.

Hurting someone physically is a form of bullying.

Every public school has its own discipline policy which includes codes of conduct to ensure students are free from bullying and intimidation. We believe students have a right to be safe and happy at school.

Our schools have anti-bullying policies in place to deal with bullying promptly and effectively by involving mediation, disciplinary action, warnings, social skills programs, counselling and parental involvement.

This resource provides strategies and support materials for student leaders and teachers to increase students' knowledge and understanding of bullying. Some of the activities may be used to supplement the Anti-bullying Plan for Schools.

Activities within the resource have been designed to be conducted either by teachers with student leaders or by student leaders with other students. It is recommended that student leaders conduct activities with students in Years 5-8. Facilitator's notes are included to assist student leaders in conducting the activities.

Student leaders can have a positive impact on school climate. Students listen to their peers and student leaders can enhance discussion on issues such as bullying.

When student leaders work to support anti-bullying initiatives there are a number of advantages. For example, student-led learning:

• provides opportunities for the exchange of ideas between students and student leaders
• provides learning experiences that engage students and are relevant to their needs
• enables students to learn and practice decision making skills.

Student-led programs to counter bullying enhance student leadership and support and complement initiatives such as the Student Representative Council (SRC), peer mediation, peer mentoring or buddy programs.