Bullying

The problem of bullying has rightly received a great deal of attention in the press recently. It is a problem which exists to some extent in every large organisation and we would be complacent were we to assert that bullying never occurs in Builth Wells High School.

However, we do our utmost to prevent it, and we take immediate action if it occurs. We believe that it is the right of every child to be educated in a relaxed atmosphere, free of fear, in which effective learning can take place. Any deliberate attempt to prevent this is regarded as bullying.

The pupils receive regular education about bullying in assemblies and in Personal and Social Education lessons. They are taught that bullying can take the form not only of physical attacks but also the form of name-calling, damaging or hiding of property, spreading of rumours or deliberate and hurtful ignoring of another pupil. Children are encouraged to tell a trusted person straight away rather than try to sort it out themselves.

Children who behave in a bullying way are spoken to immediately, as they themselves may be in need of counselling. Further action, such as the contacting of parents, is taken if the initial warning is not heeded. In serious cases, parents may be contacted straight away.

We believe that there is comparatively little bullying in Builth Wells High School, but we are always on guard against complacency. Any parents concerned that their child is the victim of bullying should contact the school without delay.