Bullying Policy

BULLYING POLICY  

Biblical illustration of relationships: John 15:12-“My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you.”

Rationale:  In an effort to instill biblical values and create a more loving environment the school has adopted this policy.  From time to time, conflict can occur.  Columbia County Christian School realizes that while bullying may occur, it is never acceptable.  We seek to implement a clear framework for dealing with bullying incidents in order to protect our students and help the bully to learn how to relate in a way that is line with biblical standards.

Definition:  Bullying occurs when a person or group is intimidated, frightened, excluded or hurt by a pattern of behaviors directed at them by others. (Greg Griffiths, “Bullying in Schools-the hidden curriculum” (2003)).

The following actions in an ongoing form may be forms of bullying:

  • Physical aggression-including hitting, punching, kicking
  • Teasing or verbal abuse-including putdowns, insults, name calling or racial/sexual remarks
  • Intentional exclusion from activities or friendship groups
  • The setting up of humiliating experiences.
  • Damaging a persons property/possessions or taking them without permission
  • Threatening gestures, actions or words
  • Written/verbal/ electronic messages that contain threats, putdowns, gossip or slandering
  • Cyber bullying through facebook or other electronic means

 

Policy Statement:  From time to time in a large community such as a school, conflict and offence can occur.  As part of living in a sinful world, bullying can result when we don’t always relate to others as we should or when people try to exert power and influence over others.

Columbia County Christian School realizes that while bullying may occur, it is never acceptable and seeks to implement a clear framework for dealing with bullying incidents. The school’s response to bullying is based on the pattern of relating to one another found in the Bible.  God intended for us to live in a way that acknowledges differences and accepts others because we are all made in God’s image.

Our policy is based on the principle that bullying is “not OK at CCCS.”  CCCS recognizes that not all behaviors should be considered bullying or willful violation of this policy.  Behaviors will be assessed by the teacher and/or administrator and addressed according to the procedures below.

PROCEDURES

  • All parties will be spoken to-victim, bully and sufficient bystanders to establish the facts of the situation and to hold them accountable for their actions/inaction.  Generally all parties will be asked to give a verified account of what has happened with a view to understanding the whole picture.
  • All incidences are to be documented and written reports will be kept on the behavior. 
  • All staff will be informed about and have access to the information recorded on all incidents so that they may be aware of any issues between students.
  • Acknowledgement of the allegation of bullying and assessment of student safety must take place within 1 school day of the report.
  • Investigations into bullying allegations must be undertaken in a timely manner and should be carried out in such a way as to minimize the risk of escalation.
  • Parent(s) of victim and bully will be informed throughout the process and may be invited to be present in discussions.  In some cases this may apply to parents of bystanders also.
  • All incidents of bullying will be followed up in writing to parents/caregivers of at least the victim/s and bully.
  • Bullying incidents will be followed up and students monitored to ensure the incident is resolved satisfactorily.  The school will take serious disciplinary action in cases of retaliation.
  • Discipline will follow the discipline policy.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

STUDENTS

  • Student should ask the offending student to stop.
  • Students being bullied should report it to staff, parents or another adult.
  • Students who are aware of bullying should report it to the teacher.
  • Students should take appropriate steps to discourage or prevent bullying.
  • Students should be willing to resolve bullying situations, employing forgiveness and some changes in behavior.

PARENTS

  • Parents are encouraged to take what their children say seriously and to report bullying concerns to the teacher first.
  • Parents need to accept that the whole story may be quite complex and trust the school to resolve bullying matters.
  • Parents not satisfied with the action may refer to administrators if the need arises

STAFF

  • Non-teaching staff should refer all allegations of bullying to teacher and principal. (in that order)
  • Teaching staff should establish whether an alleged incident is isolated or an ongoing pattern of behavior. (bullying)
  • Teaching staff are to refer to principal with allegations/incidences of bullying.  This will be done in a timely manner (within 1 school day of report).
  • Bullying incidents will be followed up and students monitored to ensure the incident is resolved satisfactorily.  The school will take serious disciplinary action in cases of retaliation.