Pedagogical policy
Bullying has no place in a safe environment. At BSO Kidsplay we work every day on a warm group where every child feels welcome. In this article you can read how we recognise, address and — ideally — prevent bullying.
Bullying is more than a one-off argument. It involves repeated behaviour in which a child is deliberately excluded, hurt or humiliated. There is a power imbalance: the child who bullies has more influence or strength than the child on the receiving end. This can be physical, but also emotional or social.
Een kind negeren, niet meelaten doen met spelletjes of expres niet uitnodigen. Ook buitensluiten om uiterlijk of kleding hoort hierbij.
Schelden, nare bijnamen geven, vernederen of roddels verspreiden over een kind.
Een kind uitlachen om een foutje of om hoe het eruitziet, waardoor het zich klein voelt.
Duwen, trekken, slaan, schoppen of ander gedrag dat lichamelijk pijn of schade veroorzaakt.
Speelgoed kapotmaken, iets afpakken of expres verstoppen zodat een kind het niet kan vinden.
Een kind lastigvallen via sociale media of apps, nare berichtjes sturen of iemand uit een groepsapp verwijderen.
Bullying can leave deep marks, especially when it continues for a long time. A child who is bullied may start to feel lonely, become insecure or even develop physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches. Some children no longer want to go to school or childcare as a result.
There are consequences for the children who bully or watch without doing anything, too. They learn the wrong ways of treating each other or feel guilty later. That is why we always take bullying behaviour seriously — even when it seems 'harmless' from the outside.
At our locations we work every day on a positive group dynamic. That means: attention for each other, treating differences with respect and learning together how to resolve conflicts. We encourage children to help each other and make clear agreements, such as 'everyone can join in' and 'laughing is fun, but laughing at someone is not'.
New groups always go through a period in which children find their place. We guide this actively: we watch the dynamics between children, name positive behaviour and make bullying a topic of conversation. Also after holidays or when the group composition changes.
Our pedagogical staff are alert to signs of bullying. They observe behaviour and take children's feelings seriously. Does a child feel excluded or sad? Then we start a conversation: what happened, how does the child feel and what do they need? If necessary we involve the other children involved.
We intervene immediately with bullying behaviour. We name it, make agreements and think together about a solution. We encourage children to stand up for each other and help them put their feelings into words. If needed, we bring in extra support, such as a buddy system or a conversation with the parents.
Do you think your child is being bullied at childcare? Or do you notice something at home that worries you? Don't wait and contact the location manager or a pedagogical staff member. We are happy to think along about what your child needs.
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