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Ballytober Primary School, Bushmills
 

Anti-Bullying

At Ballytober Primary School we believe all forms of bullying behaviour are unacceptable. We consider that all pupils have the right to learn in a safe and supported background. This learning environment should be devoid from the threat of emotional or physical harm. 

At Ballytober we have a ZERO TOLERANCE for bullying. 

The school aims to promote positive relationships and endeavours to provide an educational setting which is interactive and engaging. In addition to this, the school aims to foster a climate of transparency in which pupils, parents, guardians and staff feel comfortable in reporting bullying behaviours. 

At Ballytober Primary School we take the legal definition of bullying from, “The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016”: In this Act ‘bullying’ includes (but is not limited to) the repeated use of-

(a) any verbal, written or electronic communication,

(b) any other act, or

(c) any combination of those, by a pupil or a group of pupils, against another pupil or group of pupils, with the intention of causing physical or emotional harm to that pupil or group of pupils.

The term ‘omission’ can, in certain circumstances be classified as an ‘Act’.

 

 

Anti-Bullying Ambassadors

P5 and P6 children are trained as Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. The Anti-Bullying Ambassador Programme, part of the charity of the Diana Award, offers resources and training to schools throughout the UK. In their role, our ambassadors will help educate their peers on the issue of bullying, lead anti-bullying campaigns, promote a culture which celebrates and tolerates difference and helps keep their peers safe both online and offline.

Our ambassadors are...

  1. Passionate about stopping bullying and working together to stop it
  2. Caring and look out for their class mates
  3. Friendly and approachable and willing to listen to other pupils' problems and provide support to them
  4. Active in promoting kindness within the school community
  5. Up-to-date on the work of the Anti-Bullying Ambassador Programme and happy to get involved in the work they do

The ambassadors attend meetings with Mrs Chartres, our ambassador leader. They have drawn up an action for the year and will help organise events e.g. Feel Good Friday and Kindness Day as well as participate in whole school events such as Anti-Bullying Week, Safer Internet Day when they work closely to promote online safety.

 

Our Playground Pals are also vigilant in the playgrounds. They ensure our children are happy and safe. 

 
 
 

Anti-Bullying Week

Anti-Bullying Week 2023 is coordinated in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. This year it has the theme ‘Make A Noise About Bullying‘ and will take place from Monday 13th to Friday 17th November. The week will be kicked off with Odd Socks Day on Monday 13th November, where adults and children wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.

The theme of Make A Noise About Bullying came about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the Anti-Bullying Alliance which coordinates Anti-Bullying Week every year in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Teachers and children wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.

Following the success of the campaign in 2022 – when 80% of schools marked the week, reaching over 7.5 million children and young people – Anti-Bullying Week will remind everyone whether it’s in school, at home, in the community or online, we can bring an end to bullying.