Bullying is any behaviour, the aim of which is hurt, threaten or menace another person or group. It is the targeted and repeated use of physical and mental attacks by an individual or group against another individual or group that is unable to defend itself for any reason. Bullying takes many forms, the most recent being cyber-bullying, which occurs on the internet.
Bullying also occurs at Czech schools. However, it is systematically prevented. There are procedures for dealing with bullying and a system of corrective measures. Bullying is certainly not taken lightly in the Czech school system.
Bullying and school
By law, the school has a definite obligation to create and maintain a safe environment, protect pupils and their health and prevent the incidence of any high-risk forms of behaviour at schools, including bullying. The school respects the identity and individuality of each pupil, and rejects violence and the abuse of power in any form. It is also important for the school to admit the risk of bullying and clearly communicate these values. Additionally, the school defines clear rules of conduct in the school rules and the consequence of their breach.
In dealing with bullying, the school must first evaluate the gravity of the situation and assess whether to solve it internally or request external support (e.g. pedagogical-psychological advice centre, behaviour care centre). Schools have a whole range of mechanisms for dealing with and preventing bullying.
Bullying and parents
Parents and other legal guardians are responsible for caring for the child and its development, and play a decisive role in its upbringing. This is why they are informed by the school in the preventive phase.
The parent has the right to ask the school or specific teacher for help in dealing with bullying. The school should investigate such suspicions or claims. In investigating and resolving the problem, the legal guardians of the parties to bullying (aggressors, victims and witnesses) should become involved.
Where to turn
The procedure for filing suggestions and complaints is defined by the school. If the problem is not resolved in a satisfactory manner by the teachers, it is necessary to address the school principal. If the school’s reaction is inadequate even then, it is possible to consult the founder of the school or the Czech School Inspection Authority (ČŠI). Suggestions may be submitted to the ČŠI anonymously to the address Fráni Šrámka 37, 150 21 Prague 5, or anonymously at posta@csicr.cz.
Although bullying itself is not a crime, it can meet some of the characteristics of certain misdemeanours or crimes. In this case, any citizen is obliged immediately to report the committing of a crime to the police or state prosecutor. However, it is necessary to note the need to observe the presumption innocence and not commit the crime of false accusation.
You can seek advice and help online from Minimising bullying, Society against bullying, Internet advice centre, Safety Line (also at the telephone number 116 111) and other non-profit organisations.
As concerns cyber-bullying, contact the National Safety Internet Centre and the E-Safety portal; in the case of cyber-bullying of teacher, E-Safety for teachers. Illegal content on the internet can be reported to Stop online.