Head of Senior School - Anti Bullying

In preparation for Anti-Bullying Week and Odd Socks Day on Friday the 17th of November, the senior school has been focusing on Anti-Bullying themes. One thing that has come to light is the importance of understanding the fact that restorative action when dealing with bullying is crucial, especially for those learning English as a second language. Unlike punishment, which focuses on consequences and retribution, restorative action aims to heal and build understanding.

Bullying is horrific but it can be particularly challenging for language learners, as it not only affects their emotional well-being but can also hinder language development. Restorative approaches provide a more compassionate solution by promoting open communication between the individuals involved. This creates a safe space for expressing feelings and perspectives, fostering empathy on both sides.

Restorative action also encourages accountability and personal growth. It helps individuals recognise the impact of their actions and actively participate in repairing the harm caused. This process can lead to profound changes in both the bully and the victim, promoting empathy, self-reflection, and a genuine commitment to positive change.

In contrast, punishment often leads to resentment and defensiveness, hindering the understanding needed for language learners to navigate complex social interactions. Restorative action, with its emphasis on communication and personal responsibility, offers a more inclusive and supportive approach, creating a foundation for a kinder and more empathetic language learning community. It can be argued that punishment does make the issue go away but this is very short-term in its outlook and it does not address or support the true causes of bullying; the very unhappy person or people doing it.