A Guide to Draft a School (Cyber)Bullying Policy

Abstract

The phenomenon of bullying and cyberbullying unfortunately enmeshes the Hungarian public education system, and many students, parents and teachers suffer from the trauma of bullying. The problem can only be addressed through an interdisciplinary approach, which requires the tools of psychology and pedagogy as well as the tools of law. The aim of this paper is to develop a model anti-bullying policy that provides a common minimum set of guarantees and a starting point for primary and secondary schools to develop their own independent policy. In the annex to the study, a model policy has been drafted, the elements of which fit organically into the existing legal framework and complement it with the scientific background and elements of bullying. By way of example, in addition to addressing the issue of personal and territorial scope, the policy defines bullying and cyberbullying behavior, as well as the retaliation that often occurs in the course of this phenomenon. It also offers a recommended set of procedures, which, if fine-tuned, can be used to deal with incidents of bullying in an appropriate manner.