Interview with Mr Cluff Interviewer- Lloyd B Whiteside (Head of Middle School) 10A1 Belmont 06-11-2007 In this interview I would like to discuss bullying and associated problems with bullying in Campbell College. Interviewer: Mr Cluff, do you think bullying is a common problem in Campbell College? Mr Cluff: I wouldn't say common but I am very aware that bullying can happen. Interviewer: Are you aware that there are various types of bullying e.g. Verbal, physical and mental. What do you see as bullying? Also, what measures do teachers take to control and prevent bullying? Mr Cluff: I could add to the list you have mentioned with emotional bullying and bullying by modern technology. The school tries to prevent this through Learning for Life and Work, House Meetings and assembly talks. There is also a clear anti-bullying policy already in the school. Interviewer: What is the school doing to help with this problem? Mr Cluff: As mentioned, an anti-bullying policy is in place, which is sent home to parents but the child or children being bullied must tell us about it before we can act. Interviewer: How does the school deal with a continuous bully? Mr Cluff: Students progress through sanctions starting from a copy of the school rules all the way up to suspension. It isn't always easy to identify a bully. They often don't recognise they are bullies and if they do know they are bullies they may use their power to avoid being sanctioned. Interviewer: Do you think bullying has increased over the years you have been at Campbell College? Mr Cluff: No, but it is an issue which the school must constantly address. Interviewer: What do you think could be done to help people talk about being bullied? Mr Cluff: Perhaps an email chat room could help, where students exchange ideas and success stories. Our school provides a counsellor who students can talk to, and Housemasters and Prefects are always there to help. Interviewer: New types of bullying are occurring through modern technology such as Bebo and mobile phones and I would like to know what actions the school is taking towards this? Mr Cluff: We have a mobile phone policy outlining the proper use of phones in school. We also have been in communication with Bebo and have asked them to take anything with the school's name off their site and we can and have contacted the police. Thank you for your time Mr Cluff. interviews