17th Harrow – Anti-Bullying Code for Youth Members (under 18s)

It’s the policy of Scouts to provide a positive environment, as we know that everyone thrives in safe and supportive surroundings. We’re committed to making sure that Scouts is enjoyable and safe for everyone involved.

The Scouts Youth Member Anti- Bullying Policy (Youth Member Anti-Bullying Policy | Scouts) states that all Groups and sections should have a clear code for dealing with bullying and helping those who’ve been bullied.  

This Anti-Bullying Code relates to our youth members (under 18).  The policy and procedure in relation to bullying and harassment of adult volunteers can be found here: Volunteer Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy & Procedures | Scouts

The 17th Harrow Anti-Bullying Code has been developed using the Scouts’ Guide to Bullying Prevention and Response (anti-bullying-guide-2024.pdf) and has the following aims:

• To be clear on what we mean by bullying behaviour and how it’ll be addressed.

• To empower young people to take the lead in bullying prevention.

• To create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, a place where bullying is less likely to happen.

• To explain actions we can all take in a bullying situation.

• To make sure everyone knows how to get help in a bullying situation

What do we mean by bullying?

• Bullying is intentional behaviour that hurts someone else. It includes name calling, hitting, pushing, spreading rumours, threatening or undermining someone.

• It can happen anywhere. It’s usually repeated over a period of time and can hurt a child both physically and emotionally

(NSPCC Definition adopted by Scouts)

Prevention: Creating the right environment

• Volunteers will act as role models and build appropriate positive relationships with our youth members

• As part of the programme, volunteers will create opportunities to openly talk about bullying, positive relationships, and celebrations of differences.  This could be linked to Anti-Bullying Week in November or Safer Internet Day in February

• We will manage the environment to help reduce bullying. This could include rearranging equipment, groups or supervision patterns.

Identifying bullying behaviour

• Volunteers will use observational and listening skills to pick up on any subtle signs of bullying, looking out for any early changes in behaviour that a possible target may be displaying.

• We will address all forms of bullying behaviour, no matter how small they seem.

How will young people be involved?

• Each Section will develop an age appropriate Code of Conduct with the members.  This is be reviewed and revised at the start of each year when new members arrive, and used as a reference point as required when issues arrive at meetings and events.

• The section Code of Conduct will specifically refer to bullying behaviour.

Help and support for young people being bullied

• Any young person who is being bullied or suspects that someone else is being bullied should tell an adult volunteer. 

• The volunteer will listen to the young person being bullied, find out what’s happened, the impact it’s had on them and agree the best way to address the issue.

• The volunteer will do what they can to help the young person feel safe, and to stop the bullying behaviour.

• Young people often don’t report bullying because they’re worried about what might happen, or the situation becoming worse. Volunteers will address any bullying behaviour we see – whether it’s reported to us or not.

• If a young person is being bullied, volunteers will make their parents/carers aware of the situation.

• Further guidance for volunteers is available on page 10 of the anti-bullying-guide-2024.pdf

Actions volunteers will take to address bullying behaviour

• If the bullying is taking place at a section meeting or event, a volunteer will talk to the young person displaying bullying behaviour to help them understand their actions and the impact on others.

• The volunteer will ask the young person to explain what happened and reflect on the impact on others.

• The volunteer will explain why their behaviour could be considered as bullying and how it goes against our anti-bullying code.

• The volunteer and young person will agree how to make amends, make sure there aren’t any further incidents and any additional required.

• Volunteers will agree to check in and review at an appropriate point (e.g. next meeting)

• Depending on the severity of the incident, the volunteer will notify the young person’s parent/carer (ideally as soon as possible after the incident, either in person after the meeting or event or by email as a follow up).  Volunteers will share this Anti-Bullying Code and ask parents to support the young person to change their behaviour. 

• Further guidance for volunteers is available on page 9 of the anti-bullying-guide-2024.pdf

Monitoring, recording and escalation

• Volunteers will record all bullying and actions taken to resolve the situation.   This information should be stored securely and only shared on a need-to-know basis with the Section Team and the Group Lead Volunteers.

• Serious bullying incidents need to be dealt with as a child protection concern following our safeguarding procedures (Yellow Card)

• Group Lead Volunteers will use this information to identify any wider cultural issues we need to address in the Group and whether any additional support is required.

For more information see: Anti-bullying | Scouts

Summary of Our Anti-Bullying Code