Strategies To Champion Anti Bullying

By Laura Lee


The amount of bullying in schools normally tends to be downplayed or underestimated by most adults. What adults should in fact realize is bullying is a serious and widespread problem that needs to be addressed immediately if they are to safeguard their children and create a safer and conducive environment for learning. The following are some of the ways that Anti Bullying can be achieved.

Being keen. Warning signs are capable of telling in there are instances of bullying. Signs like lost belongings, avoidance of school, unexplained injuries, change in feeding habits, destroyed items, among others. Nonetheless, some children will not develop such signs, and others may hide them. Being keen then becomes necessary. Ensure to engage your child frequently and ask questions that encourage constructive conversation.

Do not ignore it. Never make assumptions that a situation is just a harmless tease. Be aware that different students cope at different levels, and what may be teasing to one may be actually devastating and humiliating to another. Any time a student feels threatened in one way or another, take a serious note on it and assure the child that you will be there in case he or she may be in need of help.

React whenever you notice something. Ensure you intervene within time before you even interpret whether a problem exists between students. Never brush it off as childish play and they will get over it. Some students never do, and this may affect them for the rest of their life. Make sure that you address any questionable behavior.

Be calm. Never take sides whenever intervening a confrontation. Maintain respect that you would like to see the kids portray. If the hostility was physical, ensure everyone is safe, and attend to anyone who is injured. Ask the bystanders to go on with their activities and take involved students to a safe place.

Dealing with the involved students in private. Solving things in public will not yield anything. Students involved should be discouraged to talk to each other before the issue is solved. Bystanders should also not be given a chance to provide their opinions. Rather, talk to each student individually and get a bystander to tell you what happened. This measure will ensure that everyone provides their own side of the story without having to worry what the other will say or think.

Listen and avoid making pre-judgment. At times it is possible that the kid you will suspect to be a bully is actually a victim retaliating. It may also be a result of a medical condition that is undiagnosed or a psychological issue. Rather than rush to make unjustified conclusion, take time and listen to every student with an open mind.

Holding bystanders accountable. Bystanders provide audience bullies in addition to encouraging it. Make them aware that such behavior will not be tolerated and instead they should make efforts to stop it. Let them realize that you are a caring person who they can turn up to in case they get bullied, notice or suspect bullying within the school.




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