This anti-bullying policy:
Workplace bullying behaviours can be described as a persistent pattern of mistreatment from others in the workplace that causes either physical or emotional harm. It can involve such tactics as verbal, non-verbal, psychological, physical abuse and the threat of abuse. Bullying can happen to anyone, and no one deserves to be a victim of it.
A worker is bullied at work if:
Unreasonable behaviour includes victimising, humiliating, intimidating or threatening.
Examples of bullying include (but, are not limited to):
A single incident of unreasonable behaviour is not necessarily workplace bullying, however, it may be repeated or escalated, so should not be ignored.
Note: Bullying can also occur unintentionally, where actions that are not intended to bully do actually have that effect. A person’s intention can be irrelevant when determining if bullying has occurred.
An anti-bullying policy is a set of rules and guidelines designed around legal advice to provide a supportive environment and prevent bullying from taking place within an organization, school community or institution.
The policy should outline what constitutes bullying, the consequences for engaging in bullying behaviour and how to report instances of bullying.
Anti-bullying policies are typically put in place in schools and workplaces to create a safe and respectful environment for all. Organizations, institutions and departments of education have long been struggling with how to deal with bullying.
No one answer fits all situations, but many experts agree that one of the best ways to address bullying is to have a clear and concise anti-bullying policy. This is particularly important for staff and students within school districts and to enable school safety protocols.
The effects of bullying on mental health are well documented. Studies have shown that bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. While most people think of bullying as something that happens to kids, the truth is that adults can be bullied, too, and the effects of bullying on mental health can be just as severe.
Some ideas and tips on how to deal with bullying, including talking to someone who you trust and who will understand your unique situation.
Once you have found someone to talk to, the next step may be to seek professional help. This may involve meeting with a therapist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional to feel safe and nurture positive relationships.
