1. Policy Statement

• Swadesh Smart-Ed Academy is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment where students feel valued and protected.
• Bullying, harassment, or any form of intimidation is strictly prohibited, whether physical, verbal, psychological, social, or online (cyberbullying).
• The school will take immediate action to address any bullying incidents, ensuring appropriate disciplinary measures are taken.

2. Definition of Bullying

• Bullying is any intentional, repeated, aggressive behavior that harms another individual physically, emotionally, or socially.
• Types of bullying include:
• Physical Bullying: Hitting, pushing, kicking, damaging belongings, etc.
• Verbal Bullying: Name-calling, insults, threats, mocking, spreading rumors.
• Social Bullying: Exclusion, public embarrassment, damaging someone's reputation.
• Psychological Bullying: Manipulation, intimidation, making someone feel inferior.
• Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to harass, threaten, or embarrass someone.
• Bullying does not include occasional disputes or conflicts between students unless they are repeated and intended to cause harm.

3. Scope of the Policy

• This policy applies to all students inside school premises, during school-related activities, on school transportation, and online interactions.
• Bullying through text messages, emails, social media, gaming platforms, or other digital communication tools is strictly prohibited.
• Any form of bullying outside school premises that impacts the safety or well-being of students in school will also be addressed.

4. Reporting Bullying Incidents

• Any student who is a victim or witness to bullying must report the incident immediately to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator.
• Reports can be made through the complaint box, school email, or direct discussion with a responsible staff member.
• The school guarantees strict confidentiality to protect students from retaliation.
• Staff members must immediately report any bullying case they observe to the school principal.
• Parents and guardians are encouraged to report bullying concerns to school authorities.

5. Investigation Process

• Once a bullying complaint is received, the school will conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation involving:
• Speaking with the victim and the accused.
• Gathering witness statements.
• Reviewing available evidence (CCTV footage, messages, social media posts, etc.).
• The investigation will be completed within 5 working days, and appropriate action will be taken.
• During the investigation, both parties will receive counseling and necessary support.

6. Consequences for Bullying

• First Offense: Counseling session with a written warning.
• Second Offense: Written warning to parents and meeting with school authorities.
• Third Offense: Temporary suspension from school (duration depends on severity).
• Severe Cases (physical assault, cyberbullying, serious threats): Immediate expulsion from school and legal action if required.
• Cyberbullying cases will be reported to legal authorities if necessary.
• Any bullying that results in injury, emotional trauma, or severe psychological effects will be treated with the highest level of disciplinary action.

7. Preventative Measures

• The school will organize anti-bullying workshops, awareness programs, and discussions every semester.
• Students will participate in role-playing activities and real-life scenarios to understand the effects of bullying.
• Teachers will conduct classroom discussions and counseling sessions about kindness, empathy, and respect.
• Strict monitoring of online activities on school premises will be maintained to prevent cyberbullying.
• Peer mentorship programs will be introduced to encourage students to support each other.

8. Role of Teachers and Staff

• Teachers and school staff must actively observe student behavior and intervene in potential bullying situations.
• Regular meetings will be held among staff to discuss reported cases and ensure necessary action is taken.
• Teachers will receive specialized training on identifying, handling, and preventing bullying.

9. Role of Parents and Guardians

• Parents should observe their child’s behavior for signs of bullying (fear of school, sudden withdrawal, mood changes, unexplained injuries).
• Parents must educate children about respectful behavior and discourage aggressive actions.
• Parents should report concerns immediately to the school administration if they suspect bullying.
• Parents must monitor their child’s online activities and set parental controls where needed.

10. Student Responsibilities

• Every student must treat classmates with kindness and respect.
• Students should report bullying instead of staying silent.
• Bystanders must stand up for victims and discourage bullying behaviors.
• Every student is responsible for creating a safe and positive learning environment.

11. Monitoring and Review of the Policy

• The school will regularly review this policy to ensure its effectiveness.
• The principal, school counselors, and teachers will assess bullying incidents, track progress, and make improvements if necessary.
• Updates to the policy will be communicated to parents and students.

12. Acknowledgment and Compliance

• All students, parents, and staff must read and sign an anti-bullying agreement at the beginning of the academic year.
• Failure to comply with the policy will result in disciplinary action as stated above.