Anti-bullying guidance for adults working with children and young people

Appendix 3 – Roles and expectations

Education authorities

• In consultation with stakeholders, including children and young people and their parents and staff/volunteers, develop and implement an organisational anti-bullying policy in step with the principles and values that underpin Respect for All, as set out in Section 1.
• Explicitly refer in the policy to protected characteristics and how due regard will be given to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations.
• Embed within anti-bullying policy action that will be taken to promote equality, diversity and children’s rights.
• Provide access to anti-bullying professional learning/training and materials to support all those who work with children and young people in the organisation.
• Make organisational and local anti-bullying policies readily accessible to all, including children and young people, to ensure they are clear on action being taken to prevent bullying, and know how to report a concern about bullying.
• Ensure recording and monitoring of bullying incidents across all settings and use the information gathered to shape and inform future responses.

Schools and organisations

• In consultation with stakeholders, including children and young people and their parent(s) and staff/volunteers, develop and implement a local whole school/service anti-bullying policy that, where appropriate, reflects its education authority or governing body policy, and is in step with the principles and values that underpin Respect for All, as set out in Section 1.
• Explicitly refer in the policy to protected characteristics and set out a commitment to challenging all forms of prejudice-based bullying. For those subject to the Public Sector Equality Duty, this should explicitly include how they will give due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations.
• Develop and implement good practice to promote a climate, culture and ethos of fairness, equality, inclusion and respect in line with Respect for All and related national guidance on promoting positive and respectful relationships and behaviour.
• Make organisational and local anti-bullying policies readily accessible to all, including children and young people, teachers and staff, and parents/carers to ensure they are clear on action being taken to prevent bullying, and know how to report a concern about bullying.
• Ensure a range of safe and easy pathways for children and young people, staff and parents/carers to report bullying, and that recording and monitoring at local level is undertaken.
• Embed within anti-bullying policy action that will be taken to promote equality, diversity and children’s rights.
• Ensure recording and monitoring of bullying incidents across all settings where possible, and use the information gathered to target preventative approaches, assess effectiveness of policy and practice, ensure the correct support is in place.
• Provide access to anti-bullying professional learning/training and materials to support all those who work with children and young people in the setting.
• Respond to incidents of bullying on an individual basis using SEEMIS or alternative recording systems to proactively case-manage each situation. Employ a respectful, proportionate and holistic approach, adopting responses which take account of the impact of the incident as well as any underlying prejudice or other negative attitudes.

Children and Young People

• See bullying as a violation of children’s rights and treat people with respect.
• Be aware of anti-bullying policies and practices in schools, clubs and groups attended and know how to report bullying behaviour.
• Where safe and appropriate, challenge bullying behaviour.
• Share concerns with a trusted adult and/or peers and work collaboratively with adults and peers to help create safe and positive environments where bullying cannot thrive.
• With adult support, set up a youth-led anti-bullying group in your school, club or group.

Parents

• Listen and take children and young people’s concerns seriously.
• Be aware of anti-bullying policies and practice, including complaints procedures, in any school/clubs/groups attended by their child or young person.
• Share any concerns about a child as early as possible with a teacher, practitioner or coach.
• Engage directly, or through school Parent Forum/Parent Council or other appropriate forums, to contribute to and learn about anti-bullying policy and practice.
• Role model respect and promote safe, positive, supportive and respectful relationships for children and young people. Reflect this in all interactions with school/club staff and volunteers.

Staff and Volunteers

• Listen and take children and young people seriously.
• Act in accordance with the relevant professional standards and codes of conduct, e.g. GTCS Standards, Common Core CLD/youthwork/volunteer adult SSSC. Share concerns appropriately within your organisation/service and seek support where necessary.
• Understand both local and organisational anti-bullying policy and procedures and act in accordance with these.
• Embed the promotion of equality, diversity and children’s rights in own professional practice, seeking training relevant to these areas.
• Role-model respect and promote safe, positive, supportive and respectful relationships. Reflect this in all interactions with children and young people and their parents.