Reporting Bullying

DSC Process for Reports of Bullying and Relational Aggression

Bullying is not tolerated at our school. To know more about what bullying is please read the Kids Helpline weblink.

We ensure bullying behaviour is identified and addressed with appropriate and proportionate consequences. All bullying complaints will be taken seriously and responded to sensitively.

STUDENTS who may be experiencing bullying behaviour, or students who have witnessed bullying behaviour, are encouraged to report their concerns to school staff or another trusted adult as soon as possible. In most circumstances, we encourage students to speak to their teachers or year level coordinator/s. However, students are welcome to discuss their concerns with any trusted member of staff.

PARENTS/CARERS who develop concerns that their child is involved in or has witnessed bullying behaviour at Doncaster Secondary College should contact the school on 9848 4677 to speak to the year level coordinator.

Investigations

When notified of alleged bullying behaviour, Doncaster Secondary College will:

1. Inquire with students involves in a private space and complete an incident report form.
2. Contact parents to inform of gathered information.
3. Address the perpetrator’s behaviour/s in a timely manner.
4. Restore and refer behaviour/s via interventions and supports where required after assessing risk.

When making a decision about how to respond to bullying behaviour, Doncaster Secondary College will consider:

• the age, maturity and individual circumstances of the students involved
• the severity and frequency of the bullying, and the impact it has had on the target student
• whether the student/s engaging in bullying behaviour have displayed similar behaviour before
• whether the bullying took place in a group or one-to-one context
• whether the students engaging in bullying behaviour demonstrates insight or remorse for their behaviour
• the alleged motive of the behaviour.

The effects of bullying may include:

• disconnection from school, lower attendance, lower academic outcomes
• increased risk of poor health, anxiety, depression
• feelings of loneliness & isolation, social withdrawal
• lower self-esteem
• reduced study performance
• reduced career prospects

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND PARENTS/GUARDIANS TO:

• Listen sympathetically to your children’s reports of bullying.
• Empower your child to report to staff in the relevant mini school office to work with the school in seeking a solution.
• Work to build the resilience in your student by discussing the following:
• report to an adult.
• keep a record of the bullying.
• don’t try to get back at the person who bullies you.
• hang around people who help you feel good about yourself.
• know that it’s ok to take a break from friends.
• understand that it is a fact of life that not everyone will want to be friends.
• stay positive.
• Promote positive relationships that relationships that respect and accept individual differences and diversity within the school community.
• Help your child to use digital technologies safely and responsibly.