Anti-Bullying Policy and Guidelines

Statement of intent

The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs is committed to providing
a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our members so they can
participate in YFC activities in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of
 any kind is unacceptable throughout the Federation. If bullying does occur, all
members should be able to speak up and know that incidents will be dealt with
 promptly and effectively.

Objectives of this Policy

All members, elected officials, club leaders, staff, and parents should
have an understanding of what bullying is.

• All members, elected officials, club leaders, staff, and parents should be
   aware of the NFYFC policy on bullying, and be able to follow it when bullying
  arises and is reported.

• As a Federation, we take bullying seriously. Members and parents should be
   assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.

• Bullying will not be tolerated nor will observers of bullying.

What is 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 take
 many forms. It can be:

• Emotional being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting, peer pressure
  (e.g. hiding books, unwanted text messages, threatening gestures)

• Physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence

• Racist racial taunts, graffiti, gestures

• Sexual unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments

• Homophobic because of, or focussing on, the issues of sexuality

• Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing

• Religious racial taunts, graffiti, gestures

• Material when possessions are stolen or damaged or extortion takes place
  Bullying is not the same thing as a disagreement between two people.
  Bullying is:

• Systematic and ongoing or could sometimes a one-off

• Done by a person who perceives themselves as more powerful
  than the person they bully rather than between equals.

• Distressing and hurtful to the victim rather than good natured fun

• Always one way rather than an exchange.

Who can be bullied?

Anyone can be bullied by anyone else –for example members, staff,
volunteers can be bullied by members, staff and volunteers.

Why is it important to respond to bullying?

Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. It is shameful,
humiliating and frightening,

and young people often feel powerless to stop it. Everybody has the
right to be treated with respect.

Members who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving.

We have a responsibility to respond promptly
and effectively to issues of bullying.

Signs and Symptoms of bullying

A member may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or
she is being bullied.
 Adults should be aware

of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a member:

• Specifically requests to be accompanied to or from the club or YFC activity
  (however this might be a natural request from younger members)

• Doesn’t want to go to the club when a particular person or group of
   people are present
• Changes their usual routine
• Becomes withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence
• Starts stammering
• Runs away or attempts or threatens suicide
• Cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
• Feels ill at club meetings
• Comes home with clothes torn or property damaged
• Has possessions go “missing”
• Asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully)
• Has monies continually “lost”
• Has unexplained cuts and bruises
• Becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
• Is bullying other children or siblings
• Stops eating
• Is frightened to say what’s wrong
• Gives improbable excuses for any of the above.

These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems,
but bullying should be considered a possibility and
should be investigated.

YFC code of conduct

•  Respect for other people

• Respect for property and other peoples' possessions

• Self respect through achievement and self discipline

• Co-operation with others and a willingness to fulfil responsibility

Bullying prevention strategies

• Encourage clubs to promote an ethos, which ensures
  respect for the individual

• Encourage clubs to develop its own anti-bullying policy
  involving staff, members and volunteers and identify local
   support available. It should then be regularly reviewed.

• Encourage clubs to make members aware of the negative
   impact of bullying

• Develop a culture where victims can freely ask for help
   without stigma

• Help club officials recognise that swift action can prevent more
  serious situations arsing later

• Promote the understanding that vigilance by club officials is an important
   defence against bullying

• Encourage clubs to take effective action and sanctions
   against bullies

• Run regular campaigns or sessions on bullying, its effects and how to
  deal with it and prevent it

• Develop a training strategy for Staff, volunteers and senior
   members to access local training.

Procedures for dealing with bullying

(If you believe that the incident could be a child protection issue
 rather than bullying, please refer to the Child Protection Policy)

All club chairman/club leaders should respond to
 bullying in the first instance by:

Listening to the victim

Reassuring the victim

Continuing to offer help, advice and support to the victim
 In responding to incidents of bullying, all club
 officers should take action when bullying is
 reported in the following ways:

1. Immediate action must be taken to stop the bullying behaviour or
   threats of bullying. In taking action, care should be taken in
   order not to make the situation worse. Officials must also
    exercise care and not
    jump to conclusions. It is not inconceivable that the person
   doing the reporting is involved in the bullying and that the
    accusations are being made with malicious intent, also
   jumping in too soon without thinking it
    through may increase the bullying.

1. Ensure that the person who is bullied is supported and kept safe.

1. Considering whether action should be public or private bearing in
   mind that the matter must be dealt with in confidence.

1. Encourage others to speak up to establish the trust and
   fairness if appropriate.

1. Making it clear to the bully that such behaviour is not acceptable.

1. Establishing whether the bullying is part of a pattern.

1. Encouraging the bully to see the victim’s point of view.

1. Explaining why a punishment (if any) is given.

1. Inform parents if appropriate.

1. Contact the County Federation and inform them of the situation
   and ask for advice and support.

1. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be recorded.
   

1. If the incident involves member(s) under 18 years of age
    then the parents should be informed at all times.

1. If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted.

1. The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be
   investigated and the bullying stopped quickly.

1. All efforts will be made to help the bully (bullies)
   change their behaviour.

Outcomes

• Any damage caused by the bully must be redressed as soon as
   possible and the bully must take responsibility for their actions.
  For example the bully (bullies) should be asked to genuinely apologise.
  However other consequences may take place according to the nature
   and seriousness of the incident(s)

• In serious cases, the bully may be banned from an event.

• If possible, the members will be reconciled.

• After the incident/incidents have been investigated and dealt with,
  each case will be monitored to ensure bullying does not take place.

Appendices 1 & 2 offer guidelines and pointers in dealing with victims
 and bullies.

Further Information

Kidscape 08451 205 204

Anti-Bullying Alliance 020 7843 6000

Anti-bullying.org.uk 

BBC

Childline 0800 1111

Bullying Online

DfES