Anti-Bullying Policy

At Özkaya KHS International School, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of our school community. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Every student has the right to learn and develop free from intimidation, fear, or harm.

We believe in a proactive and restorative approach, ensuring early intervention, education, and support for both victims and perpetrators of bullying.

Bullying can be:

• Physical: Hitting, pushing, damaging property
• Verbal: Name-calling, insults, threats, offensive jokes
• Social/Relational: Exclusion, spreading rumors, manipulation of friendships
• Cyberbullying: Use of digital platforms to harass or intimidate
• Prejudice-Based: Related to race, religion, gender, disability, or language background

This policy applies to:

• All students, staff, and volunteers
• All activities on school premises and off-site trips
• All digital interactions involving the school community

• Promote a positive, respectful school culture where diversity is celebrated
• Prevent bullying through clear expectations, education, and supervision
• Identify and address bullying swiftly and effectively
• Support all parties involved, focusing on well-being and restoration
• Comply with Turkish legal frameworks and international safeguarding standards

Staff and parents should be aware of signs including:

• Sudden changes in behavior or mood
• Unexplained injuries or damaged belongings
• Avoidance of school or social withdrawal
• Decline in academic performance
• Anxiety or fear related to certain people or places

• The DSL and Head of School will lead an initial investigation
• All parties involved will be interviewed separately
• Written records will be maintained securely
• In cases of cyberbullying, digital evidence will be reviewed

If bullying is confirmed, the school will:

• Inform parents of both parties
• Apply restorative practices where appropriate
• Assign appropriate consequences (e.g., apology, detention, suspension in severe cases)
• Offer emotional support through the school counselor
• Monitor the situation to prevent recurrence

• Anti-bullying education through PSHE, assemblies, and Digital Citizenship lessons
• Supervision in high-risk areas (e.g., corridors, playgrounds)
• Regular staff training on bullying prevention and response
• Peer mediation and buddy systems to support inclusion

Bullying incidents that may constitute child abuse will be escalated to the Child Protection Officer (CEO, Mr. Nick Taylor).

The policy aligns with Turkish child protection laws, KVKK (Data Protection Law), and international standards such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

• This policy is reviewed annually or as necessary based on reported incidents and feedback
• Student and parent feedback will be collected via surveys and forums
• Data on bullying will be monitored anonymously to identify patterns