41% of students who reported being bullied at school indicated that they think the bullying would happen again.
(Source: National Center for Educational Statistics, 2019)
These statistics highlight a discouraging truth: children who experience bullying often expect to face ongoing distress throughout the school year. For teachers, this is far from a victory. However, it’s not unusual for bullying to go undetected or continue despite interventions. As a teacher who has frequently discussed bullying with parents and administrators, I have learned the importance of consistency in addressing this issue. Bullying can persist in an endless cycle despite diligent efforts to stop it. However, the problem is not insurmountable. This blog post explores effective strategies that teachers can use to bring about positive changes in student behavior. By addressing root causes and taking proactive measures, educators can cultivate more inclusive and respectful classrooms.
Understanding Bullying
“A person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself. “
(Olweus, D., 1993, Bullying at School: What We Know and What We Can Do)
Bullying can manifest in many forms, including verbal harassment, physical abuse, or cyberbullying. Educators must understand the complexities of bullying to create a safe and nurturing learning environment for students. Teachers play a critical role in recognizing and stopping bullying by staying observant and fostering a supportive classroom culture. Look for subtle signs like changes in students’ demeanor, withdrawal from activities, or unexplained injuries. Note dynamics between students, watching for exclusion or persistent teasing. Monitor online interactions closely, since cyberbullying can happen outside class. Building an open, trusting environment makes students comfortable reporting incidents. Regular communication with students, plus awareness of each child’s emotional health, helps teachers promptly identify and address potential bullying. Remaining vigilant and creating a safe, inclusive space enables educators to spot bullying early and take action.
Talk About It
Addressing bullying, a seemingly taboo subject, is an essential and proactive step for educators. Open discussions about the various forms of bullying and potential repercussions convey the issue’s gravity. Effective communication strategies ensure sensitive, constructive student dialogues without inadvertently encouraging bullying. If unequipped, consider a workshop with experts – psychologists, child specialists or former victims – whose insights equip educators and students to foster safe, supportive learning.
Change your Classroom Dynamics
To spark transformative change, consider proactive measures that tackle bullying’s root causes. Cultivating an empathetic, respectful classroom culture is crucial. Encourage open communication so students feel comfortable voicing concerns and reporting bullying. Clearly establish behavioral expectations centered on kindness and inclusivity. In addition, implementing educational programs that cultivate empathy, conflict resolution, and social-emotional learning can greatly improve classroom dynamics. Fostering understanding and empathy among students enables educators to create a climate that actively deters bullying.
Collaborating with parents and guardians is pivotal. By keeping them informed about classroom dynamics and seeking their support to reinforce positive behavior at home, a unified approach against bullying takes shape. Checking in regularly with students to assess their emotional well-being and providing a safe space for open dialogue also helps understand and mitigate bullying.
By cultivating empathy, educating students, and facilitating open dialogue with families, educators have the power to rewrite the classroom story – from one of bullying to one of belonging.
SAM WALKER.
