ANTI-BULLYING & CYBERBULLYING POLICY

(For Students, Staff, and Online Learning Environments)

 

1. Purpose

European Montessori College (EMC) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all adult learners and staff.

This policy outlines EMC’s approach to:

  • Preventing bullying and harassment
  • Addressing incidents promptly and fairly
  • Protecting individuals and the organisation

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All adult learners
  • All staff (including trainers and administrative personnel)
  • All interactions, including:
    • In-person sessions
    • Online platforms (e.g. Flex Learn)
    • Email and messaging
    • Workshops and practicum placements

 

3. Definition of Bullying

Bullying is repeated, inappropriate behaviour that undermines a person’s dignity, safety, or wellbeing.

It may be:

  • Verbal
  • Physical
  • Psychological
  • Social exclusion

 

4. Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying includes any form of bullying conducted through digital platforms, including:

  • Harassing or threatening messages
  • Public shaming or humiliation
  • Sharing private information without consent
  • Excluding individuals from online groups
  • Persistent negative commentary

This applies to:

  • Learning platforms
  • Emails
  • Messaging apps
  • Social media (where linked to EMC activities)

 

5. Examples of Unacceptable Behaviour

  • Offensive or degrading comments
  • Intimidation or threats
  • Repeated criticism aimed at an individual
  • Deliberate exclusion from group work
  • Misuse of online platforms to target individuals
  • Undermining a trainer or adult learner publicly

 

6. Expected Behaviour

All members of EMC are expected to:

  • Treat others with respect and professionalism
  • Communicate constructively
  • Engage in learning environments positively
  • Respect diversity of views and backgrounds

 

7. Responsibilities

Management

  • Ensure policy implementation
  • Act promptly on reports
  • Maintain a safe environment

Staff

  • Model respectful behaviour
  • Address issues early
  • Report concerns

Adult Learners

  • Engage respectfully
  • Report inappropriate behaviour
  • Support a positive learning environment

 

8. Reporting Bullying

Bullying concerns may be reported:

  • Informally to a trainer or staff member
  • Formally through the Grievance & Complaints Procedure

Reports can be made by:

  • The person affected
  • A witness

 

9. Investigation Process

All reports will be:

  • Taken seriously
  • Handled confidentially
  • Investigated fairly

The process will follow:

  • Fact-finding
  • Review of evidence (including digital communication where relevant)
  • Input from all parties

 

10. Outcomes

Depending on the nature, severity, and persistence of the behaviour, outcomes may include:

  • Informal resolution
  • Formal warning
  • Removal from course or programme
  • Disciplinary action for staff
  • Restriction or removal of access to online systems

Serious Misconduct

In cases of serious or persistent bullying, including cyberbullying, harassment, or the publication of false, harmful, or defamatory statements about individuals or the organisation:

  • EMC reserves the right to take formal external action, including:
    • Reporting the matter to relevant authorities, including law enforcement or cybercrime units
    • Seeking legal advice and pursuing action under applicable laws (e.g. harassment, defamation, harmful communications)
    • Requesting removal of content from social media platforms

Such action may be taken where behaviour:

  • Causes reputational damage
  • Harasses or intimidates staff or adult learners
  • Involves false or misleading public statements
  • Continues after requests to cease

 

11. Protection from Retaliation

No individual will be penalised for raising a concern in good faith.

Retaliation will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.

 

12. Record Keeping

  • All incidents are documented securely
  • Trends are monitored to support quality improvement

 

13. Training & Awareness

EMC will:

  • Promote awareness of respectful behaviour
  • Provide guidance on online conduct
  • Support staff in managing incidents

14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or as required.