Cyber Bullying Policy 2020/2021

  If you’re experiencing cyberbullying, you’re not alone. It can be upsetting and difficult to escape . Find out what cyberbullying is and what you can do to protect yourself!

Introduction

Increasing access to technology is essential for that future. We also recognize that technology plays an important and positive role in everyone’s lives, both educationally and socially. It is committed to helping all members of the school community to understand both the benefits and the risks, and to equip children with the knowledge and skills to be able to use technology safely and responsibly.

What is bullying?

It’s the use of deliberate force forms of verbal or physical abuse whether individual vs individual or group vs individual, it is unjust and repetitive behavior and over time it is intended to hurt or pressure someone, where this person is unable to defend him/herself, due to the unequal strength between the bully and the person getting bullied.

Forms of bullying:

Verbal

Cursing, harsh criticism, name calling, spreading rumours, phone calls and anonymous emails.

Physical

Beating,kicking, throwing stuff,

taking others belongings and hiding it.

Suggestive

Threatening, rude gestures, intentional neglection or alienation, and threats by staring

Social

Allying against someone, persuading others to alienate someone.

Support is always available

If you’re being bullied, it’s important to talk to someone you trust. If you need help to get through this, start a WebChat or send us an email to your head of department or your school counselor.

You could also visit the eSafety website to find out more about bullying and what you can do.

  • If you suspect that you may have been bullied , remember that the school needs to know what happened to you.
  • If you can’t prevent the bullying, ask the school for help, because working with the school in these cases can often lead to better results.

 

Important contact from Victoria English school:

  1. Keith Sykes, Headteacher: headteacher@ves.ae
  2. Ms. Carla Pozza, Head of Primary: c.pozza@ves.ae
  3. Mr. Matthew keyes, Deputy head teacher and head of Secondary: deputyhead@ves.ae
  4. Ms. Rayane Hoblos, School Counsellor: rayane@ves.ae

What is Cyberbullying?

Bullying takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else.

Cyberbullying is using technology to bully or hurt someone else.

Cyberbullying can include:

  • Sending/sharing nasty, hurtful or abusive messages or emails
  • Humiliating others by posting/sharing embarrassing videos or images
  • Spreading rumours or lies online
  • Setting up fake online profiles
  • Excluding others online
  • Repeated harassment and threatening messages (cyberstalking)

Special Concerns

Cyberbullying has unique concerns in that it can be:

 Breaking the Cybercrime Law: Federal Law No.5. Student need to be aware that any incidences of cyberbullying which contravene the Federal Law of the U.A.E. may be subject immediately to Permanent Exclusion.

There are many different methods by which cyberbullying takes place. The following list is not exhaustive; while the development of information and communications technology is so rapid new styles of cyberbullying are emerging constantly. Moreover, young people are particularly adept at adapting to new technology.

The most common places where cyberbullying occurs are:

  • Social Media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter
  • SMS (Short Message Service) also known as Text Message sent through devices
  • Instant Message (via devices, email provider services, apps, and social media messaging features)
  • Email

If you’re being cyberbullied

It’s important to remember:

  • It’s NOT your fault
  • You’re not alone
  • There is help available
  • It’s not weak to get help
  • There are things you can do
  • You can get through this

Who can you turn to if you are bullied?

  • Your parents
  • Your principal (Mr. Sykes)
  • Your form tutor
  • Your Head of Year/Head of Section (Ms. Carla, Mr. Matthew, Ms. Wurood)
  • Any teacher with whom you feel you have a relationship of trust
  • Student counselor (Ms. Rayane)

What can you yourself do if you are bullied?

  • Tell the bully to stop. Make it clear that the behaviour is unwelcome and hurtful.
  • Seek help. Talk to someone you trust.
  • Report it. Victoria English School does not tolerate bullying. Trust the school to deal with any incident in the appropriate manner.

What should you do if you know someone else is being bullied?

  • Care enough to take action, whether you are personally involved or not.
  • Intervene at an early stage so that the problem is dealt with before it gets out of hand.
  • Have the courage to report it.

There are ways to protect yourself

It’s important to keep in mind that dealing with any type of bullying is about finding a solution that works for you.

Here are some steps you can take: (Experiencing cyberbullying?, 2020)[1][1] Kids Helpline. 2020. Experiencing Cyberbullying?. [online] Available at: <https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/cyberbullying> [Accessed 3 May 2020].

Additional Resources

  • UAE Ministry of the Interior Child Protection Centre (English)
  • Sharjah Education Council 06 504 5555
  • Community Development Authority- CDA on hotline: 800988
  • EWAA Shelter for Women and Children on hotline: 8007283

[1] Kids Helpline. 2020. Experiencing Cyberbullying?. [online] Available at: <https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/cyberbullying> [Accessed 3 May 2020].