Schools are aware of the potential harmful effects of bullying, including online bullying (cyberbullying) on young people and take reports of bullying seriously. Holy Spirit Catholic School’s primary aim is to restore a positive learning environment for all of our students. This week, we are highlighting various aspects around bullying in our classrooms. We are focused on the following topics:

• 1.What is bullying? Definition  as well as what is not bullying
• 2. The power of bystanders
• 3. The message of Bullying is Never Ok
• 4. What works? What strategies work and who can I seek assistance from? Eg.Safe persons, teachers, staff, parents
• How can we (every individual) contribute to a positive school environment? How do we assist with positive relationships? This is the responsibility of all members of our school community

Parents and other carers have a key role in preventing and responding to bullying in our school community. You can:

• Learn what bullying is and what it is not. This is the first step in talking about how to prevent or respond to bullying with your child. 'Bullying' is a word that is used for lots of things that are not actually bullying. These other behaviours may be just as serious, but may require different responses.
• Talk about bullying with your child at home to make it easier for them to tell you if something happens. Make sure they know what bullying is and how they can respond. Help prepare your children to prevent online bullying and to know what to do if it happens.
• Start when your child is young to guide them to develop the social and emotional skills they will need to build positive relationships throughout their lives, including problem-solving skills.

More information can be found on the Bullying.No way! Website.