The only effective way of eliminating bullying is for the whole school community (students, teachers, Board of Trustees, parents and the wider community), to confront the issue and work together in a concerted way to establish a safe emotional and physical environment.

The key elements of this approach are:

• a shared understanding of bullying as a problem;

• a shared understanding of the different forms of bullying;

• a shared resolve to eliminate bullying;

• identification of bullying problems in the school and community;

• the development of a whole school anti-bullying policy;

• the creation of a "telling" environment and the use of a range of interventions to address incidents when they happen;

• recognition by teachers of their role in creating an anti-bullying ethos, including their own interactions with students, staff, parents and caregivers and community;

• a classroom anti-bullying curriculum programme;

• the creation of classrooms that are safe and supportive;

• obtaining back-up specialist help and training as necessary;

• all community members examine their own behaviour, including teachers, other staff and parents.

Kia Kaha outlines a number of steps that the school must complete in order to achieve the whole school approach. These are expanded in Kia Kaha in Your School — a working booklet, which comes in two versions; one for primary and one for secondary schools.


Overview of Implementation Steps for Primary Schools

Step 1  Initial Contact

• Between principal and police education officer.
• Kia Kaha programme, implementation and role of police education officer explained.
• Programme materials provided for inspection.
• Principal decides whether the school wishes to accept the criteria on which Kia Kaha is based and the Implementation Process.

If "yes" they proceed to Step 2.

Note: While decisions about programmes are clearly management ones, the Board of Trustees will need to be informed as they will have a role in the whole school approach and in ensuring school policies relating to safety of students are in place.

If YES, a Kia Kaha Co-ordinator is appointed by the school


Step 2  Staff Awareness Raising

• All staff, teaching and non-teaching, should attend.
• Led by Principal or Deputy Principal.
• Activities to raise staff awareness of bullying in preparation for Step 3.
• Could also be used as orientation for new staff.

Step 3  Whole Staff Meeting

• Attended by all staff.
• Facilitated by the Kia Kaha Co-ordinator, with support from the principal.
• Discussion of elements necessary for successful whole school approach.
• Kia Kaha presented. Staff vote on proceeding.

If YES, a Kia Kaha Committee is appointed by the school.


Step 4  Community Involvement

• Facilitated by the Kia Kaha Co-ordinator and Kia Kaha Committee.
• School and community problem identification carried out.
• Community meeting held.
• Community awareness of types, nature and impact of bullying, and
• Legal requirements to eliminate it, raised.