Anti Bullying Policy
1.Introduction
1.1 It is the Policy of the IYC to safeguard any member or visitor from physical, sexual and emotional
harm. IYC consider bullying of any kind unacceptable.
1.2 This document sets out what IYC means by bullying, how you can recognise it and what to do
about it if you think it might be happening.
1.3 There is a specific policy with regard bullying by children this is dealt with in a separate child
protection document.
2. Objectives
2.1 The objective of this Policy is to prevent bullying occurring, but if it does, to provide a mechanism
where it can be quickly brought to the attention of nominated individuals who can investigate the
situation and work with both the victim and the bully in order to resolve the problem.
3. What Is Bullying
3.1 Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. The three key
bullying behaviours are:
3.1.1 It does not just happen once; it is ongoing over time.
3.1.2 It is deliberate and intentional- it is not accidentally hurting someone.
3.1.3 It is unfair/there is an unequal power balance (imbalance of power). The person/people doing
the bullying is/are stronger, or there are more of them or they have influence (higher status or
power).
3.2 Bullying can be: Emotional, being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (eg. hiding possessions gear or equipment, 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 issue of sexuality
Verbal name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.
3.3 Why is it important to respond to bullying?
3.3.1 Bullying hurts and no one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be
treated with respect.
3.3.2 Bullying is often a call for help by the person showing bullying behaviours. They need help both
to learn different ways of behaving and to understand the reason that it is unacceptable. It is often
symptomatic of other issues which they may need help with. Therefore, promptly informing an
appropriate person about these behaviours helps everyone.
4. Signs and Symptoms of Bullying
4.1 A persons behaviour may be indicative that he or she is being bullied. Members should be aware
of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a person:
Changes their usual routine.
Suddenly doesnt wish to attend the club or events.
Becomes withdrawn, anxious or lacking in confidence.
Starts stammering.
Has cuts or bruises that cannot adequately be explained.
Attempts or threatens suicide.
Begins to perform poorly without good reason.
Become aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable.
Is bullying other IYC members or family members
Stops eating.
Is frightened to say what is wrong.
Gives improbable excuses or reasons for any of the above.
4.2 These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a
possibility and should be investigated.
5. Procedures
5.1 If anyone, either child or adult, suspects that bullying is taking place it is expected of them that
they inform an appropriate person. This can be the Cadet Leader, or cadet volunteers, parent, or any
other Committee Members or the Secretary as the Safeguarding and Child Protection, Nominated
Person or any responsible adult.
5.2 Informing an appropriate person that you suspect bullying when you have genuine grounds will
not result in any action against you and the bully will not be informed of your identity without your
consent. Any Member being found to be aware of bullying without reporting it will be bought
before a General Committee panel.
6. Outcomes
6.1 All interviews will be conducted under Best Practice Guidelines.
6.2 Depending on the severity of the case, suspension or exclusion of the bully(ies), from the club may be necessary after being considered by the General Committee.
6.3 After the incident or incidents have been investigated and dealt with, each case will be
monitored to ensure repeated bullying does not take place.
6.5 All incidents will be kept on record to monitor any future reports.
Last updated 3:45pm on 22 February 2025