Why Weight Ireland Anti-Bullying Policy

The Management of Why Weight Ireland has adopted the following anti-bullying policy within the framework of the business’s overall code of behaviour.

The Management recognises the very serious nature of bullying and the negative impact that it can have on the lives of both children and adults and is therefore fully committed to the following key principles of best practice in preventing and tackling bullying behaviour:

A positive studio culture and climate which-
- is welcoming of difference and diversity and is based on inclusivity;
- encourages pupils to disclose and discuss incidents of bullying behaviour in a non-threatening environment; and
- promotes respectful relationships across all the studio classes;
Effective leadership;
A studio-wide approach;
A shared understanding of what bullying is and its impact;
Effective supervision and monitoring of studio attendees;
Supports for staff;
Consistent recording, investigation and follow up of bullying behaviour and
On-going evaluation of the effectiveness of the anti-bullying policy.

In accordance with the Anti-Bullying Procedures bullying is defined as follows:

Bullying is unwanted negative behaviour, verbal, psychological or physical conducted, by an individual or group against another person (or persons) and which is repeated over time.

The following types of bullying behaviour are included in the definition of bullying:

deliberate exclusion, malicious gossip and other forms of relational bullying,
cyber-bullying and
identity-based bullying such as homophobic bullying, racist bullying, bullying based on a person’s membership of the Traveller community and bullying of those with disabilities or special educational needs.

Isolated or once-off incidents of intentional negative behaviour, including a once-off offensive or hurtful text message or other private messaging, do not fall within the definition of bullying and should be dealt with, as appropriate, in accordance with the studio’s code of behaviour.

However, in the context of this policy, placing a once-off offensive or hurtful public message, image or statement on a social network site or other public forum where that message, image or statement can be viewed and/or repeated by other people will be regarded as bullying behaviour and with any refernece to the Why Weight Ireland studio, the child or adult will be requested not to attend the studio again.

Negative behaviour that does not meet this definition of bullying will be dealt with in accordance with the studio’s code of behaviour. Negative behaviour of a child will be reported to his/her parent/carer. Persistent negative behaviour of a child and Management will hold the right to refuse the child from partaking in any of the studio classes going forward.

Supervision and Monitoring of attendees

The Management confirms that appropriate supervision and monitoring policies and practices are in place to both prevent and deal with bullying behaviour and to facilitate early intervention where possible.

Prevention of Harassment

The Management confirms that the studio will, in accordance with its obligations under equality legislation, take all such steps that are reasonably practicable to prevent the sexual harassment of children, adults or staff or the harassment of attendees or staff on any of the nine grounds specified i.e. gender including transgender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race and membership of the Traveller community.

This policy was adopted by the Management on 01/01/2018.

This policy has been published on the Why Weight Ireland website.

This policy and its implementation will be reviewed by Management once a year and published on the Why Weight Ireland website

Signed:

(Owner of Why Weight Ireland)

Date: 01/01/2018

_____________________________________________________________________

If you feel you are being bullied and are finding it difficult to talk to someone, please don’t be afraid to talk. Many people who experience bullying may fear a comeback, punishment or revenge if they tell someone. This is often harder for younger and older people experiencing bullying. People who don’t talk about what is happening can become more and more isolated, and their mental health can suffer.

Talking about it can:

- Help you to feel less alone and helpless
- Result in action that stops the bullying
- Protect your mental health

Talking about it is the first step to resolving your issue.
Don’t be afraid – SPEAK OUT

You can find more help here at Your Mental Health