What is bullying?

Bullying can be defined as any physical or emotional act that causes another person to be understandably upset, lonely or frightened.

This would include:

• Verbal or physical abuse – with or without weapons.
• Persistent and unwanted teasing.
• Cyber bullying. Mobile phone or e-mail harassment, unwanted photos, messages or calls.
• Emotional abuse
• Targeted lying
• Harassment
• Threats.
• Blackmail.
• Deliberately leaving people out.

The Attic is committed to tackling bullying at its earliest stages.

On entry to The Attic all young people sign a behaviour contract.

At the beginning of every day the young people may be reminded of the centre rules.  Breaches of these are picked up in sessions or breaks and, if appropriate, on an individual basis.  Young people are also encouraged to support each other.  At the end of each day a daily staff debrief takes place to further discuss any incidents/issues and finalise any follow up. This will be recorded on the young person’s record and on a central file.

Young people are encouraged to comment on and report any incidents which make them feel uncomfortable.  These may then be discussed in individual, paired or group situations depending on the incident.

Following this meeting if an unacceptable outcome for all is not agreed a further meeting will be arranged and will include the young person, Attic staff, referrers, parent/carers and any other key adults.

Serious or persistent bullying may lead to a change in the way that Attic works with a young person.

Policy Date –   April 2013

Review date – April 2014