Type
Educational Articles
Description
Author: Ruth Litchfield
Description: some tips to prevent bullying
Link: https://www.clickvieweducation.com/blog/classroom-management/bullying-in-schools
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The time we spend in school not only shapes our future academically, but also our social and emotional wellbeing, with impacts that can last well into adulthood. If we are bullied in school, these scars are often carried with us, both mentally and physically, for many years.
Unfortunately, bullying in schools is still prevalent in many countries around the world. In fact, in a multi-national study across 83 countries, 30.5% of adolescents reported being bullied. (Eclinical, 2020)
These are worrying statistics, not least because a lot of the bullying that happens to our young people is now conducted through mobile phones, and social media. How then, do we recognize the signs of bullying, if we cannot see it in our classrooms or school corridors?
There are some signs that we can look for and, in doing so, we are helping to protect the physical, mental and emotional health of our students.
Some of the signs that may or may not be present if a young person is being bullied:
Frequent absences
Many students are now becoming reluctant to even go to school to avoid the people who are bullying them whether in person, or digitally.
Frequent lost belongings
Try not to jump to the conclusion that a child is being scatty, is there something else going on?
Changes in behavior, such as sudden aggression, anger or withdrawal
These changes in behavior may occur suddenly or there may be a slow change over a period of weeks or months.
Avoiding certain areas of the school, such as the canteen, the playground, or a particular corridor
Perhaps there is a certain place where the bullies wait.
Drop in attendance, academic achievement, or participation
If a student is preoccupied with being bullied, it is highly unlikely they will be able to maintain their level of academic performance.
Physical symptoms, such as headache or stomach ache, that don’t seem to have a clear cause
Being bullied, or indeed bullying, can induce feelings of stress and anxiety which then manifest as physical symptoms in the body.
Refusal or reluctance to talk about certain students or situations
Students may feel worried or scared about telling an adult what is going on.
Of course, any of these signs could be completely innocent, but, by really getting to know our students, we are then more likely to recognise unexplained changes in behaviour.
Many students will deny if they are asked outright if they are being bullied, but if we can keep an open line of communication with our students, and build up a level of trust and rapport, we have a much greater chance of being able to help when help is needed.
Immediate steps teachers can take when bullying occurs
If you as a teacher witness any signs of bullying at all, or if it is reported to you by a student or a member of staff, it needs to be taken very seriously, and swift action must be taken:
Separate the students involved, if necessary.
It is important at this stage that you are calm and in control and that at this stage you are not trying to assign blame or figure out who is in the wrong.
Listen to all parties, including any bystanders or any other witnesses.
This must be done as soon as possible, and in private. Allow students to talk freely, without asking any leading questions.
Document the incident.
Recording what happened, when, who was involved and how you responded.
All schools should have a protocol for this procedure, make sure you are familiar with yours and keep up to date with any changes!
Support the victim/s.
Be sure to check in regularly with them to see how they are doing.
By this stage, the parents should have been informed, so be sure to communicate regularly with them to see how the student has been at home.
Accountability
Is extremely important not only for the bully but for anyone else involved- be it bystander, or miscommunication between a number of students.
It is important that all people involved can unpack the situation and see how their behavior was inappropriate or wrong but also that other students see how seriously bullying is taken in your school setting.
All students should be encouraged to reflect on why their behavior was wrong and how it has made others feel, rather than focus on punishment.
Your school’s behavior policy should outline the procedures that will be taken following the incident.
Preventative classroom strategies to reduce bullying
The best way that we can try to prevent bullying from happening in our schools is to create an environment and a culture in our classrooms and schools of mutual respect, safety and compassion.
Classroom Values
From the start of the year, work hard to establish your expectations of kindness and respect for all members of the school community.
Praise those who show these values, and for those who make mistakes.....
Starting Date
9/8/2025 12:00:00 AM
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