Policy Objective

Sunbeam World School (SWS) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students. Every student has the right to learn in an atmosphere that is free from fear, intimidation, harassment, discrimination, and harm. In alignment with the Constitution of India, applicable child protection laws, and global educational best practices, SWS enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of bullying and harassment.

This policy is binding on all members of the school community, including students, staff, administrators, parents, board members, and individuals associated with the school in any capacity. It applies to behaviour occurring during school hours, in online learning environments, at school-sponsored events, and in any context where the school’s name, platform, or authority is involved.

Policy Statement

SWS strictly prohibits any form of bullying, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination. No student shall be targeted on the basis of race, religion, caste, class, colour, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, or any other distinguishing characteristic. The school affirms its obligation to safeguard the dignity and rights of every student and to address violations through appropriate and proportionate measures.

This policy applies to conduct occurring:

• During school hours (online and offline);
• On school-managed digital platforms;
• During school-related events, field trips, and co-curricular activities;
• In all official communication channels related to the school.

Definitions

Bullying

Bullying is defined as repeated, intentional behaviour involving an actual or perceived power imbalance, intended to intimidate, harm, or dominate another individual. Bullying may result in physical, psychological, emotional, or social harm, and can manifest in the following forms:

Verbal: Name-calling, teasing, threats, or offensive remarks;

Physical: Hitting, pushing, tripping, or damaging personal property;

Social/Relational: Exclusion, public shaming, or spreading rumours;

Cyberbullying: Sending harmful content via digital platforms including impersonation, trolling, online threats, or posting offensive images

Harassment

Harassment refers to unwelcome conduct (verbal, physical, written, or digital) that demeans, humiliates, or intimidates an individual based on protected attributes such as race, religion, gender, caste, class, disability, or personal identity. It includes behaviour that creates a hostile, offensive, or discriminatory learning environment

Duty of Care and Staff Responsibilities

All teaching, non-teaching, administrative, and support staff are under a mandatory duty of care to uphold a safe and respectful school climate. Staff must actively prevent, identify, and respond to incidents of bullying and harassment, both in physical and virtual settings. Staff members are legally and ethically obligated to:

• Maintain vigilance during school hours and online engagements;
• Intervene immediately when bullying or harassment is observed or reported;
• Document and report all incidents to the designated authority (e.g., School Counsellor or Anti-Bullying Committee);
• Ensure confidentiality while promoting transparency, procedural fairness, and resolution;
• Comply with the school’s disciplinary protocols.

Failure to fulfil these responsibilities may constitute professional misconduct and will be addressed under school and legal disciplinary frameworks.

School’s Commitment

SWS is committed to:

• Addressing all allegations of bullying with seriousness and impartiality;
• Challenging the belief that bullying is an unavoidable part of school life;
• Empowering students to report incidents without fear of retaliation;
• Supporting victims and promoting a culture of empathy and accountability

Preventive Measures

SWS adopts a proactive, school-wide strategy to prevent bullying and harassment. Key preventive initiatives include:

• Clear Behavioural Expectations: Communicating and reinforcing student conduct policies throughout the academic year.
• Staff Training: Regular workshops and training sessions for staff on behaviour management, online safety, and intervention techniques.
• Student Awareness: Classroom discussions, campaigns, interactive workshops, and role-plays to build empathy, inclusion, and awareness of the consequences of bullying.
• Reporting Mechanisms: Confidential, accessible, and safe reporting channels, including online forms, one-on-one counselling, and direct reporting to class teachers or designated authorities.

Reporting Mechanisms

All students are encouraged to report any instance of bullying or harassment they experience or witness. Reports may be made to:

• Class Teachers;
• School Counsellor;
• Heads of Departments;
• Designated Anti-Bullying Committee;
• Via school-authorised digital reporting systems.

Reports will be handled with strict confidentiality and will be investigated promptly and fairly. The safety and dignity of all involved parties will be safeguarded throughout the process.

Response Protocol for Teachers

Upon witnessing or receiving a report of bullying, school staff shall adhere to the following protocol:

• Ensure immediate safety of the individuals involved
• Listen impartially to all parties;
• Record and document the incident in accordance with school policy;
• Report the matter to the appropriate authority (e.g., School Counsellor or Disciplinary Committee);
• Monitor the situation to ensure resolution and non-recurrence.

Response measures will vary depending on whether the incident is isolated, repeated, or severe in nature.

Disciplinary Actions and Consequences

In cases where bullying or harassment is substantiated, the school may take one or more of the following disciplinary measures, as appropriate:

• Verbal warning and sensitisation;
• Formal counselling with the School Counsellor;
• Written documentation in the Student Behaviour Record;
• Notification and involvement of parents/guardians;
• Temporary suspension of privileges or detention;
• Referral to the School Disciplinary Action Committee;
• Short-term suspension;
• In cases of persistent or severe conduct, long-term suspension or permanent expulsion. All disciplinary actions will be proportionate, fair, and may be accompanied by restorative practices focused on behavioural improvement and accountability.

Continuous Review and Policy Update

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the School Management in consultation with staff, legal advisors, and child welfare experts. Updates will be made as necessary to reflect changes in legal mandates, technological developments, and the evolving needs of the student community.

For further clarification or concerns regarding this policy, please contact the School Counsellor or the Anti-Bullying Committee.