Scoil Mhuire, Ballyroan road, Abbeyleix, Co Laois.

Scoil Mhuire Abbeyleix

School Anti-Bullying Policy

Action Plan Framework

This section of our school policy outlines the main signs of bullying that will be looked for in any investigation and the action to be taken by the school authorities to deal with specific instances of Bullying within the school.

Bullying is defined as repeated aggression whether it is verbal, psychological or physical, which is conducted by an individual or a group against others. It is behaviour which is intentionally aggravating and intimidating. It includes behaviour such as teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting, exclusion or extortion by one or more pupils against a victim.

Bullying behaviour thrives in an atmosphere of uncertainty and secrecy in which the victim often feels a sense of hopelessness. Isolated incidents of aggressive behaviour, while not to be condoned, cannot be described as bullying as it applies to this policy action plan.

Indications of bullying that will be sought in the investigation of any bullying or suspected bullying incident(s).


Anxiety about attending school.
Deterioration in educational performance.
Pattern of physical illness.
Unexplained changes in mood or behaviour.
Visible signs of anxiety or distress.
Possessions missing.
Increased requests for money.
Unexplained bruising.
Reluctance to say what is troubling him/her.

These may all be signs of a variety of problems as well as bullying.

Procedures for noting and reporting incidents.

If parents have concerns about their child being bullied they should inform the class teacher or the school Principal
Reports of bullying either from parents or Staff members will be recorded in the school incident book. The teacher will investigate the report and act appropriately. If the teacher suspects that bullying occurred the Principal/Deputy Principal should be informed.
All pupils that report suspected incidents directly will be treated with sensitivity and will be listened to carefully.
Parents of those involved will be notified and given an opportunity to discuss the matter by the Teacher.
It will be made clear that children reporting incidents of bullying are acting responsibly.
A written record will be kept of how the matter was handled and the outcome. When the class moves on the succeeding teacher will be informed of any problems that existed.

Procedures for investigating and dealing with bullying:.

The following approaches will be used by the investigating Teacher or School Principal /Deputy Principal.

Calm, unemotional, problem solving approach will be taken.
Incidents are best investigated outside of the classroom situation.
Teachers/Principal will speak separately to the children involved.
Members of a suspected gang will be met separately and as a group.
Parents will be informed where it has been determined that bullying has occurred.
Checks will be made with the child/parents of the child bullied at a later date to check that no further difficulties have arisen.

Please note that all investigations mentioned above will be carried out in the presence of a third party normally the class teacher or the Deputy/Assistant Principal. All matters will be recorded in the school incident book and the school discipline folder if necessary.

This school Policy and Action Plan was Ratified and updated by the B.O.M in May 2005 and was reviewed by Parents, Staff and Board of Management in May 2008.