Anti-Bullying Week at BSC

Anti-Bullying Week in Senior School was observed this year from 14th to 18th November. We recognise the significant impact bullying has on a victim – especially the long-term effects on a victim’s mental health and we at BSC advocate for a zero-tolerance policy for bulling. It is of utmost importance that the academic and pastoral teams at BSC join to eradicate bullying and build a safe community for our young learners and staff.  

BSC’s Anti-bullying Week kicked off with students wearing odd socks to show their support and solidarity for making the school community bully free. Some students went to great extent to select their socks being absolutely odd and significantly colourful, and many an interesting conversation took place about the socks worn, not forgetting the reason for wearing odd socks this day!   

The theme we focused on this year was ‘Reach Out’ and this message was spread out through our Key Stage Assemblies, Form Time activities and in our PSHE lessons. KS3 students were seen to be actively engaged in having discussions about respect and reflecting on one’s own behaviour in and out of the classroom. They certainly enjoyed their time placing their pledges on display!  

In assemblies, the psychological concepts of ‘bystander effect’ and ‘diffusion of responsibility’ were outlined in detail. The key message relayed was ‘when more people are present in an emergency, less help is provided’ and for us to bear in mind, regardless of the number of bystanders, each one of us can be an upstander and challenge bullying whether it is at home, school, in the community or online. We can be the change we want to see and support each other.  

We urge our students to reach out to someone they trust when they need to talk.  We encourage all to reach out and consider a new approach and create kinder communities – ones that are bully free. From teachers to parents and the wider community, we all have a responsibility to help each other reach out and we are grateful for the wonderful support provide by our parents and staff to make BSC a safe, happy and vibrant learning community!