At Bishop Perowne we understand the importance of challenging inappropriate behaviours between children that are actually abusive in nature.

Downplaying certain behaviours, for example dismissing sexual harassment as “just banter”, “just having a laugh”, “part of growing up” or “boys being boys” can lead to a culture of unacceptable behaviours, an unsafe environment for students and in worst case scenarios a culture that normalises abuse leading to children accepting it as normal and not coming forward to report it. (KCSIE 21)

Child on Child abuse is behaviour by an individual or group, intending to physically, sexually or emotionally hurt others.

We recognise that children are capable of abusing their peers both in person and online and we also recognise the impact that this can have on individuals, their families and friends.

Staff recognise that this can include:

• Bullying (including online bullying)
• Physical abuse such as hitting, kicking, shaking, biting, hair pulling, or otherwise causing physical harm
• Sexual violence and sexual harassment
• Sexting (also known as youth produced sexual imagery); and
• Initiation/hazing type violence and rituals.

This abuse can be motivated by perceived differences e.g. on grounds of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other differences.

This can result in significant, long lasting and traumatic isolation, intimidation or violence to the victim.

Therefore, Bishop Perowne staff are advised to maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’ where safeguarding is concerned. This includes Child on Child Abuse.