WWICA
WEST WALES ISLAMIC CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL CENTRE
ANTI-BULLING POLICY
Date: January 2021
We are committed to providing an Islamic environment which is caring, friendly and safe for all of our pupils so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere.
It is our aim to encourage pupils to put into practice that which they learn in their Islamic Studies lessons as well as promoting an Islamic ethos in our centre. We base this on the advice of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him):
“None of you truly believes (in Islam) until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself” (Bukhari and Muslim)
At West Wales Islamic Cultural association we have high expectations of our pupils, not only in Islamic academic excellence but also in standards of behaviour, appearance and character, both inside and outside the our Islamic Centre including Mosque and Islamia school. We hope to equip our pupils with the skills to face the challenges of today’s changing world by encouraging communication, personal growth and confidence at all levels and a respect for all the creation of Allah. We aim to do this Insha’Allah by maintaining close co-operation between the Madrassah, parents and the wider community.
Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our Madrassah. If bullying does occur, all pupils should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING Centre. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the staff. The Principles in summary
What Is 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:
* Emotional- being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding books, threatening gestures)
* Physical- pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
* Racist- racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
* Sexual- unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
* Homophobic- because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality
* Verbal- name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing
Why is it Important to Respond to Bullying?
Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Pupils who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving. They need to know why it is wrong to behave in the way that they are.
Madrassahs have a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.
Objectives of this Policy
* To inform all teaching and non-teaching staff, Trustees, pupils and parents what bullying is.
* To inform all Trustees, teaching and non-teaching staff what the Masjid policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported.
* To inform all pupils and parents what the Masjid policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises.
* To inform and reassure pupils and parents that they will be supported when bullying is reported.
* To inform all that bullying will not be tolerated.
Signs and Symptoms
A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a child:
* is frightened of walking to or from Madrassah
* doesn't want to go on the public bus
* begs to be driven to Madrassah
* changes their usual routine
* is unwilling to go to Madrassah (Madrassah phobic)
* begins truanting
* becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
* starts stammering
* attempts or threatens suicide or runs away
* cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
* feels ill in the morning
* begins to do poorly in Madrassah work
* comes home with clothes torn or books damaged
* has possessions go "missing"
* asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully)
* has dinner or other monies continually "lost"
* has unexplained cuts or bruises
* comes home hungry (money / lunch has been stolen)
* becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
* is bullying other children or siblings
* stops eating
* is frightened to say what's wrong
* gives improbable excuses for any of the above
These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.
Procedures
Adults and children in the Madarassah, who feel that they are experiencing bullying should:
* Tell the bully to stop. State quite clearly that the behaviour is unwelcome and offensive and, if possible, walk away from the situation.
* All bullying incidents should be reported to staff - Seek adult help if the bullying continues or they are afraid to tell the bully to stop. Report it to their class teacher or any member of staff. The Masjid does not tolerate bullying. Feel confident that any incident can be resolved satisfactorily.
* After the first known incident, both the bully and the victim are counselled by a member of staff
* The bully will be advised according to Islamic teachings as to why their behaviour is unacceptable
* If the incidents continue, the parents are called into Madrassah to discuss the problem with the WISE (High Wycombe) Trustees (depending on the seriousness of the case. A strategy is developed with the consent of both sets of parents to deal with the problem
* If incidents still continue, further counselling takes place of both the bully and the victim. As a last resort, if incidents still continue, exclusion procedure may begin.
Children who feel that someone else is being bullied should:
* Care enough to do something about it by reporting it to an adult, whether it affects them personally or not.
Recording
* Bullied pupils should record the events in writing
* The bully should also record the events in writing
* Discussions with both sets of parents should be documented
* Parents should be given copies of all the reports. If they are unable to attend meetings, they should be sent copies.
* All the above must be filed in the pupils’ files
Outcomes
1. The bully (bullies) may be asked to genuinely apologise. Other consequences may take place.
2. Bully will be given the opportunity to follow up their wrong with a good deed.
3. In serious cases, suspension or even exclusion will be considered.
4. If possible, the pupils will be reconciled.
5. After the incident / incidents have been investigated and dealt with, each case will be monitored to ensure repeated bullying does not take place.
Prevention
In addition to Islamic advice offered by Islamic Studies teachers and the Imam, We may use other methods as and when appropriate, these may include:
* writing a set of Madrassah rules
* signing a behaviour contract
* writing stories or poems about bullying
* Reading stories about bullying or having them read to a class.
* having discussions about bullying and why it matters
Date: 16/11/2024
The policy may be amended from time to time in accordance with Masjid development and changes of legalisation
