Information sheet
Print
 |
Whole school community |
| |
Managing incidents that have serious impact on individuals and/or the school |
| |
Use restorative justice principles to resolve issues and restore the sense of wellbeing for all involved |
When school communities start to talk about an environment free from bullying and harassment, opportunities are created for integrating a range of strategies that can support both particular situations and interpersonal relationships across the whole school community.
With a sound behaviour management plan in place - conciliatory, participatory and restorative justice approaches developed through curriculum-based initiatives and individual support options - encourage the development of responsibility for personal behaviours and practice in civic responsibility for the rights of others.
Consistency and consequences are important elements of an effective whole school approach to dealing with bullying, harassment and violence. Also important are fairness, acknowledgement of cultural differences and the needs of the particular situation - and enabling young people to learn more socially useful behaviours. For these reasons, many schools have recognised that responses that rely on punitive measures, bureaucratic sanctions or 'zero tolerance' don't always address the needs of the individuals involved, change the underlying factors of particular situations, or meet the educational mandate of schools.
Restorative justice procedures are the best way to support the rights of those involved and respond appropriately to the situation.
