Let's Prevent Bullying And Promote Inclusivity In Our Schools
In 2022, the Cabinet made significant changes to the Education Act, which now mandates that all schools create an Anti-bullying policy. These updates to the Education Act also led to the formation of Anti-bullying (Schools) Regulations, 2022
Recently, the Education Council approved a new Cayman Islands Anti-bullying (Schools) Policy. This policy outlines the responsibilities of schools in tackling bullying, establishing consistent standards, and fostering an awareness of all matters related to bullying.
Since its introduction, all compulsory educational institutions have utilised the National Anti-bullying Policy as a framework for developing their school anti-bullying policies.
To ensure widespread awareness and understanding, the Ministry of Education has launched an awareness campaign to inform all stakeholders about the revisions to the Education Act concerning bullying. This campaign also highlights the introduction of the Anti-bullying (Schools) Regulations, 2022, to strengthen the National Anti-bullying (Schools) Policy and enhance the safety of the local school environment.
Recognise Bullying
Bullying is a purposeful action intended to harm, involves physical (hitting, pushing, shoving, kicking, etc.) and/or mental components (e.g. verbal humiliation, hurtful, threatening behaviours, gossip, exclusion) and always involves an imbalance of power. Using this acronym, RID, is an easy way to remember the components of bullying. It is Repeated: There is an Imbalance of power, and the conduct is Deliberate. The acronym RID aims to support educational institutions with an understanding of bullying so that proactive and reactive strategies can be implemented to develop a safe learning environment for all stakeholders.
R: “Occurs Repeatedly”- This means simply that the targeting has occurred more than once. NB: A single incident can have the same impact as persistent behaviour over time, as it can be experienced as part of a continuous pattern and can be extremely threatening and intimidating.
I: “Imbalance of power”- occurs when one student or group is more powerful than the other. For example, when one student, Adult and/or group is older, larger, or perceived to be smarter and/or more popular than the other, there is an imbalance of power: the playing field is not level; one student, adult and/or group unfairly takes advantage of this imbalance of power. The student feels victimized and defenceless.
D: “Deliberate action”- the goal and/or the intent are purposeful - an outcome which is meant to harm
Report Bullying
Encourage children to report incidences of bullying to a trusted member of the school community or a volunteer, who will submit a written report to the school leader.