School House Bullies: Preventive Strategies for Professional Educators

WHAT TEACHERS CAN DO: Creating a school community where bullying is not tolerated

Be aware through observation, supervision, and reports of questionable behaviors

Bullies can be sneaky and may not exhibit poor behavior in the presence of adults
Communicate with the School Community- Written surveys, interviews, meetings, etc.
Consider Bullying Programs which address Victims, Bullies, By-Standers, and Parents
Communicate Policies and Expectations enforcement of policy and sincerity of expectations
When games are organized by adults, there is less chance for social exclusion

What are the duties and responsibilities of a professional educator related to bullying in schools?
1. Identify the extent of the problem through observations, conferences, and written surveys
2. Educate parents on what to look for, as well as on how to respond appropriately
3. Create staff development opportunities on the subject of bullying preventions. Some of the
most effective staff development will be the discussions that occur throughout the school
year as staff monitor and try to manage bullying behavior
4. Educate and encourage student involvement in bullying prevention. As much as adults can
positively impact bullying, the real power will be with the students themselves. Helping
them to understand and recognize their individual, as well as collective, roles will be a major
factor in your bullying prevention efforts
5. Strategic supervision is essential
WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS: Communicate to Administration, Parents, or Others
who Need to Know (may involve Child Protective Services in the case of abuse). Teachers are
obligated by law as Mandated Reporters to notify authorities when a child is in danger!

Unexplained Bruises or Cuts

Torn Clothing
Abdominal Pain
Headaches
Fear of School
Academic Decline
Loss of Money

Outbursts of Temper
Symptoms of Anxiety
Loss of Appetite
Tearful or Unhappy
Difficulty Communicating
Thoughts of Suicide

EDUCATING ALL STAKEHOLDERS

Definitions of Bullying - Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or
perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over
time. People who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.
How Bullying Appears direct and indirect
Characteristics of the Victims including passive, provocative, and reactive responses
Warning Signs observe and communicate to appropriate individuals
Listen intently not with indifference
Distinguish between Tattling and Telling
o To determine tattling, ask: When you tell me this kind of information, are you trying to get
o someone else in trouble?
o To determine telling, ask: When you tell me this kind of information, are you concerned for
the safety of others of for yourself?

What Students Believe

Reluctance on the part of students to tell adults
Fear of Retaliation
Students are Embarrassed and see it as a personal weakness
How Can You Respond to the Bully?
Individual Counseling
Dont react emotionally to the bully; remain professional
Identify Bullies (WORD OF CAUTION: Be careful with using the word BULLY
when describing a student. Use words that describe behaviors such as
INTIMIDATING, EMBARRASSING, THREATENING, etc.)

How Can You Respond to the Victim?

Remind them to:
Avoid the Bully
Stay with Adults or Friends
Tell a Trusted Adult
Do not react emotionally (practice roll playing situations)
Seek counseling
How Can You Respond to the Bystanders?
Victimization could happen to Anyone
Report Intimidating Behaviors
Be a Friend to Others
Communicate that Bullying is Not Cool