Positive Behaviour – Anti Bullying
Positive relationships are central to effective learning, wellbeing and inclusion. Schools that foster respectful relationships and meaningfully involve children and young people in decisions that affect them create environments where all learners can thrive.
Anti-bullying approaches should be underpinned by children’s rights, fairness, respect, equality and inclusion. Children and young people should be involved in the development, implementation and review of policies which affect them, helping to create school environments where everyone feels safe, respected and included.
Further information can be found in Respect for All: The National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People (2024)
Adults should establish open, positive and supportive relationships where children and young people feel safe, secure, taken seriously and listened to in their ability to discuss sensitive issues. It is essential that all adults model behaviour which promotes positive relationships and positive behaviours.
“Everyone has a role to play in ensuring children and young people receive the support they need when it comes to bullying behaviour.”
For parents – Do you feel unsure, anxious and overwhelmed about the harms caused by bullying behaviour? Parents can learn more about school transitions, supporting their child in bullying situations, mental health & bullying, online bullying and much more. The respectme Learning Academy also unlocks essential knowledge and guidance for all adults working with or caring for children.
These free modules are now open to ALL parents and can be accessed through the link below.
Access: Respect Me eLearning modules
What is Bullying behaviour?
“Bullying is face-to-face and/or online behaviour which impacts on a person’s sense of physical and emotional safety, their capacity to feel in control of their life and their ability to respond effectively to the situation they are in. The behaviour does not need to be repeated, or intended to cause harm, for it to have an impact. Bullying behaviour can be physical, emotional or verbal and can cause people to feel hurt, threatened, frightened and left out.”
All schools should have an anti-bullying policy. This policy must reflect the Dumfries and Galloway guidance, and Respect for All: The National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People (2024). It should also ensure that children, young people and families understand how concerns, including prejudice- based bullying, can be raised and how they will be supported throughout the process.
Although schools will have different ways of putting the principles of anti-bullying into practice to reflect local environments and culture, schools should have an approach which makes it clear that bullying behaviour will be addressed in line with Scottish Government approaches.
The entire school community: teaching and non-teaching staff, pupils and parents, should be involved and must be committed to this and this can be achieved by working together in the development and implementation of the school’s anti-bullying policy. Anti-bullying policies should be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant and reflect current national guidance. Schools are currently reviewing and updating their policies in line with respectme’s policy development principles.
