Bullying has exploded onto the national spotlight in recent years, and every educator has faced questions of what to do to stop or prevent bullying. As with any aspect of dealing with youth, bullying is a complicated subject, but these tips can give you an idea on how to start.
- Be proactive. Start your school year with classroom rules emphasizing respect, and make sure that students know that skills like respect and empathy should be exercised outside the classroom as well.
- Make sure your students know their resources in the school system, such as counselors or nurses. Just like students should know what to do if there's a fire, they should know where to go to get help.
- If you witness an instance of classroom bullying, step in. Try to talk to each of the students involved -- individually, if possible. A victim of bullying may not want to be honest within earshot of his or her aggressor.
- When talking to a bully, work from a place of empathy. Many bullies act out in order to externalize problems in their own lives, and being angry or accusative toward them can make them see you as just another enemy. If the bullying is a new behavior, consider leading with "You haven't been yourself recently. Is everything all right?" The goal is to get the bully to cease bullying and apologize to their victim, and to get them help for any problems they're facing.
- When discipline is necessary, be firm, but avoid displaying disgust or anger. Let the bully know that the punishment is a consequence for their actions. Let them know that you will treat them fairly, and if they shape up, you can work together and there will be no hard feelings.
- If a student comes to you because he or she is being bullied, listen to them, treat them with respect, and tell them what you will do to solve the problem. Listen to their concerns. Some students may not want you to talk to their parents, or may fear retribution if you talk to the bully. Work with the student, the guidelines of your school, and authorities such as counselors and administrators in order to work something out.
- Check in -- discreetly -- with victims of bullying, even after the bullying has stopped.
Your school may have special training in how to handle classroom bullying. We encourage you to take such training, if it is available.
