SCHOOL kids who bully others shouldn't be punished as that would be "counterproductive".
Fife Council's education chiefs are trying to curb a rise in violence in classrooms and playgrounds but don't believe in "negative consequences" for those who pick on and persecute other pupils.
Councillors at the cabinet committee today (Thursday) are being asked to approve an updated policy, which says that learning about bullying should be an "empowering experience" for schoolchildren.
The new version of the anti-bullying policy states: "We aim to ensure that children do not bully others because they understand the harm it causes and choose not to cause such harm.
"It follows, therefore, that where children do not make this choice, we need to engage with them educationally, supportively and restoratively, rather than punitively.
"Such an approach may, understandably, be challenged by those who believe that children who bully should experience only negative consequences due to their behaviour.
READ MORE: Fighting talk as managers have their say on scuffle at Fife derby
"Our firm belief is that such an approach is ultimately counterproductive and, therefore, all staff, children and parents play an active role in developing and maintaining a school’s anti-bullying policy based on this principle; involvement and ownership contribute significantly to effectiveness."
It continues: "The approach of staff when addressing instances of bullying should always take account of the child or young person’s context and past experiences, additional support needs and the behaviours exhibited by those experiencing bullying or those displaying bullying behaviour."
The new policy wants to encourage the reporting of incidents, to agree steps to address the problems with the young person and their parents / carer, and conduct a "visible and determined" effort to reduce and resolve bullying.
Elements of the draft policy that affect young people directly were co-designed with the Dunfermline High School pupil empowerment team.
The document has been issued to headteachers, guidance staff and educational psychologists for their views and each school will be required to use this policy to create their own.
READ MORE: 'Meals on Wheels is about so much more than food'
The updated version adds: "Anti-bullying policies should be visible and accessible to families, with clear steps on how to contact the right person at school, should a concern about bullying arise.
"Through well designed personal and social education programmes (though not exclusively) schools can support pupils to understand bullying, feel more confident about discussing this and create a culture of sage reporting.
"Learning about bullying should be a progressive and empowering experience for pupils."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel