Anti-bullying protocol

Anti-bullying protocol for the aikido dojo

1. Aim

The purpose of this protocol is to prevent, detect and address bullying within the dojo. It gives guidance to teachers, members and parents for safeguarding a safe and respectful environment.

2. What bullying means

Bullying is any form of physical, verbal or psychological behaviour intended to hurt, humiliate or exclude another person. Among other things this may consist of:

• Physical violence or threats
• Verbal abuse, name-calling or intimidation
• Social exclusion or gossip
• Online bullying (cyberbullying) through social media or other digital platforms

3. Preventive measures

• Education and information: Regular information for all dojo members about what bullying is, its consequences, and how to recognise it.
• Code of conduct: On joining, every member signs a code of conduct in which they undertake to behave respectfully and to avoid bullying.
• Open communication: Fostering a culture in which members feel free to raise problems or concerns with teachers or others responsible.

4. Detecting bullying

• Observation: Teachers and senior members supervise actively and watch for signs of bullying.
• Reporting: There is a low-threshold way for members and parents to report bullying, anonymously or openly. This can be done through a report form, the confidential counsellor, or directly to the teacher.

5. Acting on bullying

• Immediate intervention: At any sign of bullying the teacher intervenes at once to de-escalate the situation and prevent further harm.
• Investigation: The teacher or an appointed confidential counsellor investigates the report carefully, through conversations with those involved and with witnesses.
• Conversations with those involved: Conversations are held with both the person bullying and the person bullied, to establish what happened and to look for solutions.
• Sanctions: Depending on the seriousness, sanctions may range from a warning to temporary suspension or permanent removal from the dojo.

6. Aftercare

• Support for the person bullied: Emotional support and, where needed, outside help is offered to aid recovery.
• Guidance for the person bullying: Guidance and, where needed, outside help is offered to prevent recurrence and to help them develop positive behaviour.
• Follow-up: Regular follow-up conversations with those involved, to make sure the bullying has stopped and the situation is improving.

7. Communication and review

• Regular review: This protocol is reviewed and adjusted regularly, based on feedback and experience.
• Transparency: All members and parents are informed of the existence and content of the anti-bullying protocol.

8. Confidential counsellor

• Appointing a counsellor: A confidential counsellor is appointed within the dojo who can handle reports of bullying independently and in confidence.
• Training: The confidential counsellor is properly trained in handling cases of bullying and knows how to act in line with this protocol.

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This is a translation for convenience. In case of doubt the Dutch text of the protocol pesten applies.