From the Principal
Bullying is a challenge faced by both schools and families. At Green Point Christian College, we are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where every student is treated with respect and feels valued, knowing they are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. As parents, you play a vital role in helping prevent and address bullying, fostering compassionate and responsible people.
What is Bullying?
Bullying goes beyond occasional conflicts or disagreements. It is intentional, repeated behavior meant to hurt, intimidate, or isolate someone. Bullying can take many forms:
- Physical — Hitting, pushing, or causing physical harm.
- Verbal — Name-calling, insults, or offensive remarks.
- Social — Spreading rumors, excluding others, or damaging reputations.
- Cyberbullying — Using social media, messages, or online platforms to harass, shame, or threaten.
Bullying involves a power imbalance where one child exerts control over another repeatedly and intentionally.
What Bullying is NOT
It is important to distinguish bullying from normal childhood interactions. Occasional disagreements, accidental exclusion, or a one-time mean remark do not necessarily constitute bullying. General conflict between peers, while sometimes hurtful, can provide an opportunity for children to develop conflict resolution skills.
Teachers at GPCC are highly skilled at recognising the difference between bullying and conflict and work very hard to support students on both sides of situations.
How Parents Can Help at Home- Encourage Open Communication
Create a home environment where your child feels safe discussing their experiences at school. Ask open-ended questions like, “Who did you spend time with today?” or “Has anything been worrying you?”. By fostering open dialogue, you increase the likelihood that your child will seek your guidance if they face bullying. - Teach Empathy and Assertiveness
Model the importance of treating others with kindness and standing up for themselves in a respectful way. Role-playing scenarios can be a useful tool. Teach them phrases like, “I don’t like that. Please stop.” or “That’s not kind. Let’s do something else.” Developing these skills builds their confidence and ability to respond to negative situations. - Monitor Online Activity and Social Interactions
With the rise of technology, cyberbullying has become a significant concern. Keep an open dialogue and keen eye on appropriate online behaviour and monitor your child’s social media use. Encourage digital responsibility by setting boundaries and reminding them that online actions have real-world consequences
A Shared Responsibility
In the coming weeks, a number of Year levels will focus on respectful relationships and bullying. However, combatting bullying is a shared partnership and responsibility between parents, educators, and students. If you suspect your child is involved in bullying as a victim or someone engaging in bullying behaviour, please contact us. Together, we can foster a school culture where every child feels safe and valued.
Thank you for your continued support in making our school a place of grace and respect.
Joel van Bentum
Principal
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