Anti Bullying Policy
At Gymmagic, we have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. This applies to all children, young people, and adults within British Gymnastics clubs and affiliated organisations.
Bullying can cause serious harm — affecting a young person’s health, wellbeing, and development. In extreme cases, it can lead to significant long-term damage. Our management team and Welfare Officers are committed to ensuring that every report of bullying is taken seriously and dealt with appropriately.
What is Bullying?
Bullying can occur between:
- An adult and a child/young person
- A child/young person and another child/young person
- A parent and their own child
It may happen face-to-face or indirectly through others, and can include:
Emotional – Being unfriendly, excluding others, tormenting (e.g. hiding belongings, threatening gestures), name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing, graffiti.
Physical – Pushing, kicking, hitting, punching, or any use of violence.
Sexual – Unwanted physical contact or sexually offensive comments.
Cyber – Misuse of email, social media, internet chat rooms, text messages, phone calls, or technology (e.g. sharing inappropriate photos/videos).
Racist or religious – Targeting someone because of their race or faith.
Homophobic, bi-phobic, or transphobic – Bullying based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Disablist – Bullying that focuses on, or exploits, someone’s disability.
Our Commitment to Preventing Bullying
Gymmagic will:
- Provide adequate supervision at all times.
- Encourage children to speak openly and share concerns with the person in charge, the Club Welfare Officer, or another responsible adult.
- Take all reports or signs of possible bullying seriously.
Responding to Reports of Bullying
When bullying is suspected or reported, Gymmagic will:
- Offer reassurance to the child or young person and work to gain their trust.
- Explain that the matter may need to be reported to someone in authority.
- Keep accurate written records of incidents, including what happened, what was said, who was involved, and any actions taken.
- Report concerns to the person in charge or the appropriate Welfare Officer.
Supporting Those Who Have Been Bullied
Gymmagic will:
- Recommend that the child, young person, or parent contact Kidscape for specialist support (info@kidscape.org.uk | 020 7730 3300). Kidscape offers advice, resources, and courses to help children recover and prevent future bullying.
- Provide in-club support through our Child Welfare Officers.