Anti Bullying

DSAYT acknowledges that bullying behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within class hours. We endeavour to ensure that a secure environment is provided for every young person who wishes to participate in the performing arts. DSAYT acknowledges that bullying can take place and may need to be addressed amongst any combination of persons that are present at DSAYT, regardless of their role: participant, volunteer, staff or board member.

Definition Of 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 possessions, using threatening gestures).
Physical pushing, hitting, kicking or any use of violence.
Racist racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
Homophobic because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality
Religious because of or focusing on the issue of faith
Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours

Implementation

DSAYT’s artistic team oversees the implementation and review of the Anti Bullying Policy. Artistic Leaders and Participant Reps are used as a forum to discuss the problem of bullying and to agree systems to tackle unacceptable behaviour with young people.

DSAYT endeavours to raise awareness about bullying. Any incidents will be dealt with on an individual basis and confidentially by DSAYT unless more serious cases require the involvement of the Board of Directors and if sanctions are required.

DSAYT will provide appropriate awareness raising and training to all relevant staff and volunteers to reinforce this policy and to provide skills and techniques to counter bullying behaviour.

All staff and volunteers should be informed of what to do when an incident of bullying is reported.

Procedures

Incidents should be reported to staff and subsequently to the Artistic Director
In serious cases, parents should be informed and will be asked to visit to discuss the problem
If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted
The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly
An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour

Outcomes

The bully (bullies) may be asked to genuinely apologise and other consequences may take place
In very serious cases, suspension or exclusion could be considered
If possible, the participants will be reconciled
After the incident(s) have been investigated and dealt with, each case will be monitored in striving to ensure repeated bullying does not take place

What We Intend To Achieve

Our Anti-Bullying Policy aims to achieve a reduction in bullying due to:

The vigilance and responsiveness of staff and volunteers to bullying behaviour
Acknowledgment by young people that bullying will be tackled
Raised awareness about bullying and the forms it can take
A greater proportion of young people informing an adult if they are being bullied
The involvement of staff, volunteers, parents and young people in implementing the Anti-Bullying Policy