Preventing Bullying in Schools

A popular topic in the media recently has been bullying in schools and how to promote an inclusive environment.  Below is an overview of what teachers can do to avoid bullying from the California Department of Education.  There is also a link that provides additional information for parents, students and the school community.

What can teachers do about classroom bullying?

Both seasoned and new teachers can develop and apply a repertoire of strategies that will help prevent, deter, and respond to classroom bullying and promote their academic mission. These strategies include: 

• Model behavior that is inclusive and promotes respect for all students.
• Provide students with opportunities to talk about bullying and enlist their support in defining bullying as an unacceptable behavior.
• Develop an action plan for what students are to do if they observe a bully or are confronted by a bully.
• Share with students the responsibility for the classroom's social and physical environment to reinforce acceptable behavior.
• Post and publicize rules against bullying, including fair and consistent consequences for bullying.
• Refer both the bully and his/her target to counseling.
• Have students and parents sign behavior contracts consistent with written and communicated behavior codes for students, teachers, and staff.
• Maintain constant monitoring of cafeterias, playgrounds, and “hot spots” where bullying is likely to occur but direct adult supervision may not be present.
• Take immediate action when bullying is observed so that both the target and the bully know that mistreating someone is not tolerated. Notify the parents of both the target and the bully and attempt resolution expeditiously at school.
• Create cooperative learning activities in which students change groups for balance and interest, and equal treatment of all the participants may be ensured.
• Incorporate classroom activities designed to build self-esteem and spotlight individual talents, interests, and abilities.
• Implement a buddy system so that students pair up with a particular friend, an older student mentor, or someone they can depend on for support, particularly if they are new to the school.
• Form friendship groups that support children who are regularly bullied by peers.
• Develop peer mediation programs to help students learn to communicate and resolve issues among themselves. 

California Department of Education - Bullying FAQ