P.U.M.A. Anti-bullying policy

1. Introduction

1.1 The Professional Unification of Martial Arts does not accept or condone any form of bullying. Bullying includes:

• Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching etc
• Name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing and emotional torment through ridicule, humiliation and being ignored.
• Racial taunts graffiti and gestures
• Sexual comments and/or suggestions
• Unwanted physical contact.

1.2 Children from ethnic minorities, disabled children, young people who are gay or lesbian, or those with learning difficulties are more vulnerable to this form of abuse and may well be targeted.

1.3 All instructors, assistants, leadership team members, helpers and volunteers should have access to training and advice on the subject of bullying and access to this anti-bullying policy.

1.4 This document will also be made available to parents/carers upon request.

1.5 Where a child is found to be exhibiting sexually harmful behaviour to another child, it is important to involve the child protection officer as soon as possible. You should make yourself aware of the difference between sexually harmful behaviour and bullying behaviour.

1.6 Where a child’s bullying behaviour is of a particularly violent or aggressive nature and your establishment is unable to address this behaviour within a reasonable time, you should contact the Child Protection Officer.

1.7 All P.U.M.A. members, who are required to read this document, must also sign the acknowledgement slip and return it to the C.P.O.

2. Anti-bullying procedures

2.1 Everybody has the responsibility to work together to stop bullying.

2.2 Children should be encouraged and supported in taking a role in stopping bullying in their school.

2.3 P.U.M.A supports each instructor in developing his or her own disciplinary measures to deal with bullying behaviour within their school.

2.4 Practices should be reviewed regularly in the light of changing needs and litigation.

3. Support for the child.

3.1 Children should know who would listen to and support them or whom they can contact.

3.2 Advice and assistance must be correct and appropriate information and given by someone who can answer questions sensitively.

3.3 Children should have access to helpline numbers.

3.4 Anyone who reports an incident of bullying will be listened too carefully, whether it is the child being bullied or the child doing the bullying.

3.5 Any reported incident of bullying will be investigated objectively and will involve carefully listening to all those involved.

3.6 Children who bully will be supported and encouraged to stop their bullying behaviour. It should be recognised that the bully may well also be a victim.

3.7 Sanctions involving isolation or which diminish or make individuals look or feel foolish in front of their peers should be avoided.

4. Support to the parent or carer.

4.1 Parents should be advised regarding your schools anti-bullying procedures.

4.2 Any incident of bullying should if possible be discussed with the child’s parent/carer.

4.3 Parental advice on action should be sought when a child’s bullying behaviour is not responding to approaches within your school.

4.4 Information and advice on coping with a child’s bullying behaviour should be made available to all parents/carers as needed.