Information for professionals working with children and young people
Useful advice and resources giving guidance on how to approach bullying issues.
Help and guidance
The DCFS have published guidance on using technology to communicate with children.
We are currently in the process of developing a community charter for all organisations to recognise those that address all aspects of bullying, our aim is to have this available to the public later in the year.
Where organisations are loaning or purchasing equipment for children and young people to use at home, it is best practice to provide e-safety training, and check kit for sensitive/illegal material before loaning it to the next individual. The Safe Schools and Communities Team can provide - safety training and general support for teaching staff and other professionals working within the children's work force.
Online Compass (opens in a new window) 
is a free tool developed by the South West Grid for Learning that can be used by any organisation to assess online safety provision to help identify areas to improve.
The DSCB E-safety sub group and Managers within Dorset's Inclusion Services have recognised that some groups of young people may be more vulnerable to the risks posed by digital technology and associated developments. There are many resources available providing guidance on safe internet use.
There are also resources available advising how to deal with bullying outside of school:
-
South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL) - Where do you start? (opens in a new window)
-
Safe from bullying (opens in a new window)
Information for Schools Staff
Do you know your responsibilities under the 2006 Behaviour Act?
It is good practice for schools to have measures in place to encourage good behaviour and respect for others on the part of pupils, and to prevent all forms of bullying. There are some useful links on this page that could provide you with further advice.
Schools should sign up to the Anti-bullying Charter (opens in a new window)
to show their commitment to tackling all forms of bullying, and use the principles of the Charter to self-evaluate their anti-bullying policies and practicesThe Department for Children, Schools and Families have released its anti bullying guidance for schools (opens in a new window)
There are many resources available providing guidance on safe internet use
Schools should consider using the South West Grid e-safety policy which has been developed based on best practice, this works alongside the acceptable use policy. Within a policy schools should address that images should not be taken of children and young people without parental consent, and only made available through the school.
The South West Grid have launched
360 degree safe (opens in a new window) , an e-safety self review tool, to help schools identify what stage they are with e-safety, where to focus, and provision of resources to help with next steps.
The Safe Schools and Communities Team will provide sessions to pupils and school parent evenings on e-safety which include cyber bullying.
Inclusion Services can offer schools and settings support to develop appropriate strategies and responses to issues around bullying. Schools should discuss as appropriate with their school's link Educational Psychologist:
cedarhouse@dorsetcc.gov.uk (East of County)
inclusionwest@dorsetcc.gov.uk (West of County)
Please also see the Information for parents and carers and Are you being bullied? pages for further information.
-
Name: Dorset Police
Web: http://www.dorset.police.uk/Default.aspx?page=3638
Email: ssct@dorset.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 01202 222844
Full details for Dorset Police
