Monday 3 August 2009

ANTI BULLYING POLICY

ANTI BULLYING POLICY
POLICY STATEMENT
ST MARY’S YOUTH THEATRE acknowledges that bullying behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We will endeavour to ensure that a secure environment is provided for every young person who wishes to participate in the performing arts. ST MARY’S YOUTH THEATRE acknowledges that bullying can take place and may need to be addressed amongst any combination of persons that are present at ST MARY’S YOUTH THEATRE, regardless of their role: participant, volunteer, staff or board member.

DEFINITION OF BULLYING
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.

BULLYING CAN BE:
Cyber: all areas of internet, such as e-mail and internet chat room misuse
(ie Facebook, Bebo, etc)
Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours
Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding possessions, using
threatening gestures).
Physical: pushing, hitting, kicking or any use of violence.
Racist: racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
Homophobic: because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality
Religious: because of or focusing on the issue of faith
Mobile: phone threats by text messaging and calls misuse of associated technology,
i.e. camera and video facilities

IMPLEMENTATION
Bullying of any description will not be tolerated at St Mary’s Youth Theatre. If anyone feels they are being bullied they should tell whoever is in charge immediately so that a swift investigation can take place and the appropriate action taken.