At Alloa Academy, senior leaders recognised that they needed to update the school’s anti-bullying policy. They wanted this to reflect national guidance and the changing needs of the school.

Learners wished to take a more active role in preventing bullying. Senior leaders understood the importance of involving young people in this work. They invited young people to lead on improvements to existing anti-bullying practices.

What the school did

Young people prioritised the development of a refreshed anti-bullying policy as their first step. They wanted to ensure that new policy reflected local and national guidance.

The school supported young people to lead workshops and focus groups. This helped to gather the views of stakeholders on existing anti-bullying approaches. Young people were also involved in reviewing the existing policy. 

Young people took an active role in analysing the range of views. They formed valid and robust conclusions and produced a draft policy for anti-bullying. This makes clear the shared definition of bullying and the impact this can have. It also defines everyone’s role in responding to incidents when they arise.  

Following revisions to the policy, young people also created an anti-bullying committee. They planned a series of lessons for all Broad General Education (BGE) classes. The lessons focused on learning about bullying behaviour. They also provided opportunities for young people to express their views on bullying.

Young people campaigned on the effects of peer pressure and influence. The campaign helped young people to think about what makes a good role model. It also helped them see how this can contribute to a respectful environment.

Building effective partnerships

Senior leaders worked in partnership with the University of Strathclyde. Their staff supported a pupil-led team with a parent consultation evening. They also helped by conducting parent and carer surveys.

The pupil team have led an anti-bullying workshop and presented their policy at an Engage Strathclyde event. They also shared their journey of policy development at a ‘Respect Me’ launch event. The pupil-led team launched the new anti-bullying policy at school assemblies. They also presented it at an open evening for parents and carers. 

What changed for young people

Young people have been engaged in developing the anti-bullying policy. They have made decisions, initiated and organised tasks. They have also showed high levels of self-reliance and effective self-management.

Young people feel a greater sense of agency as a result of driving these changes across the school. They have felt heard and have a sense of ownership in the policy.

Young people have identified  new ways to strengthen reporting strategies. These now include the use of GLOW. This approach has received national acclaim and has featured at the Scottish Education awards. It has also been recognised in the BBC Scotland coverage of 'Respect Me'.