Have
prevention measures in place. These may include a clear
and simple code of conduct that is visible in the classrooms
and reviewed with children at the beginning of the year.
Get
the topic of bullying out in the open. Have class discussions
about bullying: talk about how children might handle situations
assertively, avoid being bullied and how they could get
help.
Make
it absolutely clear that all school staff need to know about
bullying that is happening in the school.
All
teachers need to feel comfortable handling situations or,
alternatively, know where to find support when dealing with
bigger issues. Children need a consistent message about
bullying from their teachers.
Implement
a school-wide anti-bullying program. Enlist the help and
input of children, teachers, parents, experts and the community.
Initially, gather facts about bullying at your school. Later
look for evidence that your program is working.
Engage
parents and children in finding constructive solutions.
Provide
lots of opportunities for cooperative learning, whether
it be through classroom activities, extra-curricular arts,
leadership roles or sports. Often children who bully have
little experience cooperating and sharing in the achievement
of a common goal, and being involved can help them to learn
these skills.
Talk to students about bullying, violence prevention and
healthy relationships.
Upload
the Turn Off the Violence Activity Packages for classroom
activities on violence prevention (Elementary, Junior High
and High School Activity Packages available)
Acquire
reliable resources for educating the school community about
bullying.
If
an incident is taking place, calmly intervene and diffuse
the situation immediately.
Form
a child welcoming committee for children who are new to
your school. This will provide an instant sense of belonging
for the new child and prevent feelings of vulnerability.
Look
out for children who are having social problems and offer
support.
Maintain
a fun, interactive schoolyard with lots of things to engage
children. Unsupervised times are the kindling for bullying.
