{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Protecting Children and Young People from Bullying, Harassment, and Exploitation Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all children and young people in the care of {{org_field_name}} are protected from bullying, harassment, and exploitation. {{org_field_name}} is committed to fostering an environment where children feel safe, valued, and respected, free from any form of abuse or mistreatment. This policy establishes clear procedures for prevention, intervention, and reporting, ensuring that staff take a proactive role in safeguarding children and young people.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All children and young people residing at or receiving support from {{org_field_name}}.
• All staff members, volunteers, and visitors interacting with children in our care.
• External agencies and professionals who work in collaboration with our care home.

It addresses:

• Bullying (physical, verbal, and cyberbullying).
• Harassment (including discriminatory and sexual harassment).
• Exploitation (including grooming, online abuse, and financial abuse).

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

This policy complies with:

• The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, which establishes safeguarding duties.
• The Children Act 1989 & 2004, ensuring the protection of children from harm.
• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, requiring service providers to maintain a safe and nurturing environment.
• The Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), promoting children’s rights and protection.
• The Welsh Government’s Keeping Learners Safe Guidance, setting out best practices for safeguarding children.

4. Definitions

4.1 Bullying

Bullying is repeated behaviour that intentionally hurts, intimidates, or undermines another person. This includes:

• Physical bullying – hitting, pushing, damaging belongings.
• Verbal bullying – insults, name-calling, threats.
• Social bullying – excluding someone, spreading rumours.
• Cyberbullying – online harassment via social media, messaging apps, or gaming platforms.

4.2 Harassment

Harassment is unwanted conduct that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment. This includes:

• Discriminatory harassment – based on race, gender, disability, sexuality, or other protected characteristics.
• Sexual harassment – inappropriate touching, comments, or coercion.
• Psychological harassment – gaslighting, manipulation, or threats.

4.3 Exploitation

Exploitation occurs when a person is taken advantage of for someone else’s benefit. This includes:

• Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) – grooming, coercion, or abuse.
• Criminal Exploitation – forced involvement in illegal activities (e.g., gang-related crime).
• Financial Exploitation – taking control of a child’s money or belongings.
• Online Exploitation – grooming through social media, gaming, or forums.

5. Prevention Strategies

5.1 Creating a Safe and Inclusive Culture

• Staff are trained to promote positive behaviour and conflict resolution.
• Children are encouraged to speak up and report any concerns.
• Clear behaviour expectations are set and regularly reinforced.

5.2 Staff Training and Awareness

• All staff receive mandatory safeguarding training, including identifying and addressing bullying, harassment, and exploitation.
• Regular CPD (Continuous Professional Development) sessions ensure staff are aware of emerging threats (e.g., online exploitation).
• Staff must understand how to recognise grooming behaviours and take immediate action.

5.3 Supervision and Monitoring

• Staff must actively supervise children in all communal areas.
• Regular checks are conducted in online activities to prevent cyberbullying and online grooming.
• CCTV and incident logs are reviewed to identify patterns of behaviour.

6. Responding to Bullying, Harassment, and Exploitation

6.1 Reporting Procedures

If a child reports an incident, staff must:

1. Listen carefully and reassure the child they are believed.
2. Record the incident immediately, using factual and objective language.
3. Report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within one hour.
4. Support the child with emotional reassurance and protective measures.
5. Ensure confidentiality, only sharing information on a need-to-know basis.

6.2 Investigation Process

• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will assess the situation.
• If necessary, external agencies (e.g., Social Services, CIW, Police) will be involved.
• Staff involved in the incident will be temporarily reassigned if necessary.
• A risk assessment will determine the next steps.

6.3 Support for Victims

• Emotional support through counselling and keyworker sessions.
• Safety measures (e.g., change of room placement if required).
• Involvement of parents/carers (if appropriate).

6.4 Addressing Perpetrators

• Perpetrators will be challenged appropriately and supported to change their behaviour.
• Restorative justice approaches may be used where appropriate.
• If necessary, external agencies will be involved.

7. Multi-Agency Collaboration

{{org_field_name}} will work closely with:

• Local Authority Safeguarding Teams
• Police and Child Protection Units
• CIW Inspectors
• Schools and Social Workers
• Local Health Services

8. Online Safety Measures

• Internet filtering software is used to prevent access to harmful content.
• Staff conduct regular checks on digital devices used by children.
• Education on online safety is provided to all children and young people.

9. Record Keeping and Documentation

• All incidents, interventions, and outcomes must be documented.
• Reports must be kept for at least five years in accordance with data protection laws.
• Confidentiality is strictly maintained, with only relevant personnel accessing reports.

10. Policy Compliance and Monitoring

• Quarterly safeguarding audits will be conducted.
• Annual reviews of safeguarding policies will be carried out.
• Staff performance in safeguarding duties will be assessed in appraisals.

11. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Safeguarding Policy (CHW13)
• Whistleblowing Policy (CHW29)
• Staff Conduct and Ethics Policy (CHW28)
• Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy (CHW34)
• Online Safety and Social Media Policy

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislative changes or operational needs require amendments.

---

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.