• Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence.
• Verbal name –calling, sarcasm, spreading rumors, teasing.
• Cyber-all areas of internet, such as e-mail and internet chat room misuse.
• Mobile threats by text messaging and calls.
• Misuse of associated technology, i.e. camera and video facilities.
• Abusive text messages and abusive phone calls.
• The production display or circulation of written words, pictures or other materials aimed at intimidating another person.

Unwanted Comments on the:

• Race / Gender/ Sexual orientation of a person
• Religious and cultural differences
• Appearance and health conditions
• Home circumstances

All bullying is aggressive whether it is physical, verbal, non-verbal or emotional but not all aggression is bullying. It can be short or long term, overt or covert. It can be difficult for the victims to defend themselves against the bully.

At Yash Memorial School, we have adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying.

Aims and Objectives

At YMS, we always treat bullying – including allegations of bullying – seriously, regardless of whether it is physical or emotional. We are committed to providing a safe and caring environment that is free of any form of harassment.

Detecting Bullying

All stakeholders must watch out for the following signs in a student if he/she:

• Regularly returns home with torn clothes, damaged books or shabby belongings.
• Has unexplained cuts, bruises, and scratches.
• Has few friends with whom he/she spends time.
• Seems afraid of going to school, walking to and from school, riding the school bus, or taking part in organized activities with peers (such as clubs).
• Has lost interest in schoolwork or suddenly begins to fare poorly in school.
• Appears sad, moody, teary-eyed or depressed when he or she returns home
• Complains frequently of headaches, stomach-aches or other physical ailments.
• Has trouble sleeping or complains of having frequent bad dreams.
• Experiences loss of appetite.
• Appears anxious and suffers from low self-esteem.

Suggestions for Students who have been bullied:

• Try to stay calm and look as confident as they can.
• Be firm and clear and look the bully in the eye and tell them to stop.
• Get away from the situation as quickly as they can.
• Tell an adult what has happened straight away.

After they have been bullied, pupils should:

• Tell a teacher or other adult at school.
• Tell their family.
• Take a friend with them if they are scared to tell an adult by themselves.
• Not blame themselves for what has happened.

What other students should do if they witness an act of bullying?

• Don’t join in or watch the bullying incidnt– – Report the matter and seek immediate help if required
• Stop any rumors- - Do not spread wrong information to others
• Stand up for the person- - If it feels safe, defend the person being bullied, Tell an adult. They need to know so that they can help.
• Encourage the bullied person to talk to an adult -You can accompany him/her to an adult and can make a big difference just by showing you care.

Response Procedure

• All bullying incidents should be reported immediately to a staff member.
• Staff member will record all reported bullying incidents and may share them with the coordinator, supervisor, Headmistress and the Principal.
• Parents of both victim and perpetrator may be informed and summoned to the school for a meeting about the problem.
• The bullying behavior or threats will be investigated quickly and fully, with both victim and perpetrator informed that the behavior will/must stop immediately.
• The bullying perpetrator may meet with the school counselors, a designated staff member and (if they are willing to cooperate) his/her parents to understand the seriousness of his/her actions (to include placing themselves in the victim’s shoes to appreciate the undesirable effects of the behavior), and to learn appropriate means of changing behavior.
• The bully may be asked to genuinely apologize to the victim and/or, if the victim prefers, will sign a letter promising to avoid all future contact with the victim.
• There may be a range of punitive responses up to suspension/dismissal for the perpetrator in very serious cases, after thorough investigation by a team. Final decision is been made by the Principal in consultation with the Academic director and the senior management team.
• After the incident has been thoroughly investigated and dealt with, the class teacher and counselor will monitor and evaluate both students (including regular “check-ins”) to ensure that bullying does not resume or reoccur.

What parents should do?

• Spend quality time with children, talking about school, social events, their classmates and any concerns they have.
• Teach children to amicably resolve conflicts without violence.
• Take bullying seriously. Many children are embarrassed to reveal that they have been bullied.
• If any bullying is noticed, it should be stopped immediately, no matter who the perpetrator is.
• Encourage their child to help others.