School Harassment Policy

School Harassment – “It’s Not On In Our Community”

Harassment is viewed by Nathalia Secondary College as unacceptable behaviour. All members of the school community have the right to feel safe and comfortable. Any reports of harassment will be investigated thoroughly and in accordance with the student management policy.

Australian Governments have passed laws, including the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act and the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act, to protect people.

It should also be noted that much of this behaviour can be subject to criminal prosecution as outlined in the Victorian Crimes Act.

What is Harassment

It is verbal, physical or sexual conduct that is unwelcome and uninvited.

Physical Harassment

Physical Harassment may involve the following:

• Fighting                     
• Using dangerous weapons
• Spitting
• Threatening behaviour
• Invading personal space
• Damaging and interfering with others property
• Pulling, pushing and damaging clothes

Verbal Harassment

Verbal Harassment may involve the following:

• Name calling
• Put downs
• Threatening remarks              
• Knocking achievers    
• Spreading rumors
• Cyber bullying – using online or text to bully others

Racial Harassment

Racial Harassment is any form of discrimination based on race. This may include:

• Racist comments
• Physical abuse

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment may involve someone acting in the following ways:

• Annoying you with persistent advances physically
• Using sexy pin-ups or other illustrated or written material to embarrass or cause offence and discomfort
• Telling offensive sexual jokes
• Criticizing your character, verbally or by gestures
• Using provocative body language or engaging in unwanted physical contact
• Exposing themselves indecently
• Assaulting someone sexually

Harassment based on beliefs

There should be respect for differing beliefs provided they do not impinge on the rights of others.

If you are being bullied in any way - tell your parents, guardian, teacher.

Dealing with Harassment

No-one else needs to know. What you tell someone will be CONFIDENTIAL. Don’t ignore it, tell the harasser to STOP. Seek assistance; don’t name the harasser publicly. YOU are not to blame; do not feel guilty. IGNORE comments which say ‘it’s nothing”.

Talk to a teacher. They will help you decide what to do by advising you of the alternatives. You will be protected. Retaliation will not be tolerated.