Bullying is a repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological behaviour that is harmful and involves the misuse of power by an individual or group towards one or more people. Bullying of any form or for any reason can have physical and psychological effects on those involved, including bystanders.

Conflicts between equals and single incidents are not defined as bullying, although of course, such incidents may require intervention by the College. Bullying is not simply aggressive behaviour related to a relationship problem. Examples of bullying include:

Verbal: name-calling, insults, put-downs, threatening comments, sarcasm 

Physical: hitting, tripping, punching, kicking, throwing things, stealing, spitting  

Social: ignoring, hiding, ostracising, excluding  

Psychological: dirty looks, stalking, spreading rumours, hiding  

Cyber-bullying:  involves the use of any information and communication technology involving deliberate, isolated or repeatedly hostile behaviour by an individual or group, that is intended to hurt others or is undertaken recklessly without concern for its impact on others. By virtue of its nature, technology facilitates repeated access to harmful content.

• The victim is distressed by what is happening
• The harmful behaviour is intentional and designed to humiliate, hurt, intimidate or disempower the victim
• The behaviour constitutes a repeated pattern with the same person(s) to be targeted for mistreatment each time
• The recipient is unable to leave the situation easily or without permission
• A power imbalance exists between the person(s) carrying out the bullying and the victim 

• Interview all students involved in the incident in a fair manner
• Substantiate if the incident is bullying behaviour
• Discuss and decide the appropriate action
• Resolve the situation in an appropriate and respectful manner
• Decide on the appropriate consequences
• Contact parents
• Keep a record of the incident

Appropriate Action May Include:

Mediation, agreement to cease bullying, behaviour contract, letter to parents, restorative conference, reflective detention, College Counsellor’s support, Police Liaison Officer’s support, Principal intervention for short or long suspension

If you feel unable to talk to someone in person, send an email, ie firstname.surname@dbb.catholic.edu.au or report the incident using the Incident Reporting Facility. It will be completely confidential.