Bullying Policy

Coodanup College is committed to fostering a positive learning environment where students and staff feel safe and individual differences are respected. Coodanup College is a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) school and upholds the four school values of:

• We will learn.
• We will be safe.
• We will be fair.
• We will be proud.

For more information about Positive Behaviour Support at Coodanup College, please see the PBS link on the website.

Our expectation is that students manage conflict responsibly, are kind, considerate and appreciative of others, and report bullying to staff.

Coodanup College does not tolerate bullying, violence, discrimination or harassment. Everyone at Coodanup College has a responsibility to help prevent these behaviours from occurring.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is a deliberate pattern of repeated behaviour intended to hurt, injure, upset, threaten, embarrass or frighten another person. They may try to physically hurt them, socially isolate them or say or do mean or humiliating things to them. Bullying can happen in person or online and may occur openly or be hidden.

Students are actively taught about the Wave of Bullying, displayed below:

What to do if you are being bullied or know bullying is taking place:

• As soon as possible, report bullying to a staff member or someone who can address the problem, especially if threats are made. Remember it is always okay to talk about bullying.
• Talk to someone you trust about what is happening. The Year Coordinator and Student Services staff are able to support with bullying situations and help students deal with bullying and harassment.
• Make a commitment to treating everyone with respect and upholding everyone’s right to feel safe at all times.
• If you are a bystander in a bullying situation, this means taking action like those mentioned above, listening and offering support to the person who is being bullied and encouraging them to seek help.
• If the bullying is occurring online or via text messages, ensure records of the bullying are kept and talk to a staff member or guardian immediately, especially if threats are made.

 What to do if you become aware that your child or another student is being bullied:

• Listen to the student, offer support and report any knowledge of issues to school staff as soon as possible. This ensures the situation is addressed quickly and appropriately.
• Seek professional support for your child from a doctor, psychologist or counsellor if necessary.
• Support and encourage students to uphold the values of Coodanup College in regard to managing conflict responsibly and being kind, considerate and appreciative of others.

For further information and support, students, parents and teachers are encouraged to access the following website: www.takeastandtogether.gov.au

If students do not feel comfortable speaking to parents, staff or peers, the Kids Helpline can be contacted on 1800 55 1800 to provide further support and guidance.