At Swanmore College, we believe that every pupil has the right to learn and grow in a safe, caring, and supportive environment. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bullying in all its forms.

We work closely with pupils, staff, and families to create a calm, respectful culture where everyone belongs and every interaction matters.

What is Bullying?

 

Bullying can take many forms, including:

• Verbal: Hurtful words, offensive language, swearing, discriminatory language.
• Indirect: Isolating someone, rumours, sharing someone’s secrets, cyber-bullying, damaging/taking someone’s property and physical intimidation.
• Physical: Hurting someone intentionally, kicking, punching, pinching, spitting, slapping.

How We Prevent Bullying

Prevention is built into daily life at the College:

• Education and Awareness: We teach pupils about respectful relationships, empathy, and online safety through our PSHE curriculum, assemblies, and anti-bullying awareness events.
• Clear Expectations: Our behaviour policy sets consistent boundaries so pupils understand that unkind, harmful, or discriminatory behaviour is never acceptable.
• Pupil Voice and Peer Support: We encourage pupils to speak up and look out for one another, empowering them to act as positive bystanders.

What to Do If You or Someone You Know is Being Bullied

If you are experiencing bullying, or if you suspect someone else is, please tell an adult as soon as possible. We take all reports seriously and will act quickly to resolve the issue.

Who Pupils Can Talk To in College:

• Your Tutor or Head of Year.
• Any member of the Pastoral Support Team.
• Any teacher or trusted member of staff at the College.
• You can also talk to members of our Anti-Bullying Committee.

The Diana Award Crisis Messenger_

If you are a young person experiencing a crisis, the Diana Award Crisis Messenger offers free, 24/7 text support when you need to talk to someone.

How Parents and Carers Can Help:

If your child tells you they are experiencing bullying at school:

• Listen calmly and reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you.
• Make a note of any details (dates, names, places, or screenshots of online messages).
• Contact your child's Tutor or Head of Year directly so we can investigate and put support in place.

How We Respond to Bullying Incidents

When a bullying incident is reported, we follow a clear and fair process:

1. Listen and Investigate: We gather facts, listen to all pupils involved, and ensure the child affected feels safe and supported.
2. Take Action: We apply firm and appropriate consequences for those responsible, in line with our College behaviour policy.
3. Support and Repair: We focus on repairing relationships and supporting pupils to learn from their actions so that the behaviour stops permanently.
4. Follow Up: We stay in touch with parents and carers and check in regularly with pupils to ensure the issue is fully resolved.

Useful Resources and External Support

• Childline: Call 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk for free, confidential advice available 24/7.
• The Anti-Bullying Alliance: Information and advice for families at anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk.
• Kidscape: Practical advice for parents and carers on handling bullying at kidscape.org.uk

Anti-Bullying Committee

At Swanmore College, the Anti-Bullying Committee is at the centre of pupil voice activities with many opportunities for pupils to become involved. We are always striving to ensure that pupils feel safe and supported and know how to prevent bullying as well as responding to any bullying incidents.

For more information on Anti-Bullying at Swanmore, please see our Anti-Bullying policy on our Policies page.

Anti-Bullying Updates

Anti-Bullying Ambassador Programme and National Recognition

At Swanmore College, pupil leadership plays a vital role in keeping our community safe and supportive. Through our partnership with The Diana Award, we train pupils from across Years 7–10 to become official Anti-Bullying Ambassadors.

Our pupil Ambassadors and Committee members work actively across the College and wider community to promote kindness and support anyone experiencing bullying. Key initiatives include:

• Community and Peer Education: Leading training sessions for Prefects, staff, and governors on bullying awareness.
• Awareness and Support: Producing annual newsletters, guidance videos, and pupil help cards.
• Fundraising and Events: Organising Anti-Bullying Week activities to raise funds and awareness for anti-bullying charities.

National Awards: In recognition of this ongoing work, the College has earned both the Wellbeing Badge and the Community Action Badge from The Diana Award. Our Ambassadors have also been invited to apply for the Diana Award's Anti-Bullying National Youth Board.

The Parent Information video can be viewed below: