It is now widely considered that bullying is common in all schools; that it is very damaging to the health, well-being and the academic advancement of a considerable minority of students; besides, actions taken by the school and by parents can considerably diminish its rate.
Here are ten guidelines:
1. Start with a clear, adequate definition of bullying. It is not the same item as "aggression" or "violence," while elements of these may be when bullying happens. Bullying is actual hurtful behavior directed by more powerful individuals or groups against those who are less powerful. It is usually repeated, often enjoyed by the bully or bullies, never justified.
2. Know that it may take various forms, both psychological and physical, direct (name calling and hitting), and indirect (in exclusion and rumour spreading). Make a list of the behaviors that you see as the means by which members of the school community bully. Try to incorporate teachers and parents.
3. Find out what is happening at your school between members of the school community and in what ways power is being used or abused. Much can be recognized from everyday observations of how students cooperate with each other in classrooms and playgrounds, how staff treats each other, and the quality of their interactions with students and with parents.
4. Create a plan for action. The task of producing a draft Anti-Bullying Policy for the school may be entrusted to a school committee which should aim at providing a response which is widely supported. Include as committee members representatives from students and parents as their support are necessary.
5. Provide an Anti-Bullying Policy which contains the following features:
- A statement of the school's stand against bullying
- A brief definition of bullying, with illustrations
- A declaration of the rights of individuals in the school community to be free of bullying
- A statement of the responsibilities of all those who see bullying going on to try to stop it.
- A general explanation of what the school will do to deal with incidents of bullying
6. Talk with students individually and in groups about what can be done, and work with them. Classroom discussions are very important. Most students dislike and despise bullies. Your first aim is to persuade them that it is in their interest to think about how bullying can be overcome. Next, try to turn their feelings into actions, so that when bullying happens more of them will act so as to discourage it by not reinforcing the bullies by smiling or showing approval.
7. Recognize and encourage staff behaviors that can have positive effects on interpersonal behavior between students.
8. Deal correctly with bullying incidents. It is important to recognize that incidents of "bullying" often vary widely in cruelty and seriousness. None should be disregarded, but one needs to distinguish 'least severe', e.g. occasional thoughtless teasing, for which an informal "talking to" is often adequate, from 'most severe', e.g. continual group harassment with threats and physical injury, for which formal procedures are needed.
9. Provide help students who are being victimized by others at school. Where possible, victims should be helped to solve the problem themselves. When this happens there is a fast rise in the self-esteem of the person who was victimized. Teachers have to make out children whose behavior is so challenging as to invite bullying - and point this out.
10. Work profitably with parents. Teachers often need to work with parents over cases of bullying, either because the bully's parents need to be appraised of the situation and asked to help, or for the reason that parents want help from the school because their child is being bullied.
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