We’ve all had something to do with a school bully. Whether we are the bully, have been bullied, tried to sort out the situation or reported it to a teacher, or even just seen news reports on how bad the situation is getting, we all know it exists. Unfortunately these days, bullying is now not the only problem in schools, as anti-social behaviour creeps slowly into schools, and is reflected in the wider community.
This has been recognized by several agencies, and now something is being done. Bridgend Youth Offending Team is making its presence known in Ynysawdre and Maesteg Comprehensive, to really make a difference on school life for the minority.
The ‘Restorative Justice in Schools’ programme has been set up in both comps, bringing a serious and sensible way of tackling the problem of bullies in the school environment. This new voluntary project has enabled the Youth Offending Team to really bring together the school and the local community, as more often than not any anti-social behaviour spills outside of the school environment.
According to the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, through mediation, participants can acquire personal empowerment, experience positive action and learn to participate in and shape outcomes. All of these skills are necessary if there is to be equitable and sustainable communities.
Zenda Azhar, of the Bridgend Youth Offending Team states that bullying can hamper a child’s development in and out of the school environment, and sometimes turn very serious and in some cases, offences can be committed if it gets out of hand.
The restorative justice in schools project has been designed to look at various situations and problem areas as well as bullying such as: exclusions; suspensions; pupil to pupil conflict; pupil to teacher conflict and anti-social behavioural problems in school. Restorative justice is a process that allows involvement of all parties in any dispute or problem on a constant led and voluntary basis. In this case, Zenda Azhar manages the process that is completely independent and remains impartial throughout. This means they do not judge, point the finger of blame or take any side. The process is entirely confidential, and anything can be discussed without fear of any harmful effects. There is no enforcement aspect, and all participants take part completely voluntarily.
The essential core features of restorative principles and work are:
Restorative justice is not a panacea for the problems in schools, but if implemented correctly it may be a useful resource that improves the school environment and enhances the learning and development of young people.
If you wish to find out more about the project please contact Zenda Azhar at Bridgend Youth Offending Team .