ADDRESSING BULLYING BEHAVIOUR
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US AS TEACHERS THAT WE FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES IN THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT.
As teachers, parents and staff, we all have a role to play. Firstly, it is important for us to teach a bully that their behaviour is unacceptable. We must begin with teaching the bully about the harm they might be causing to other students by serenely demonstrating to children, that bullying is taken very seriously and will absolutely not be tolerated. It is very important as teachers, that we model respectful behaviour while we address the
issue.
Work With the Child to Understand the Reasons for Bullying. Some possible reasons may be:
• They themselves were bullied
• They may be in need of added support
• They may feel the need to fit in
• Issues outside of school (at home abuse or stressors)
Use consequences to teach
Consequences that involve building knowledge or teaching about empathy can help prevent future bullying. Involve the student who bullied in repairing or making amends in the situation. The goal is to help the child see how their actions affect others!
For example: Have them write an apology letter to the victimized student, or have them do good deeds.
Consequences that involve learning or building empathy can aid in preventing further bullying.
EMPATHY BUILDING EXERCISES:
• Lead a classroom discussion on how to be a good friend
• Write a story about the effects of bulling
• Have student’s role play scenarios or make a presentation about respecting others,
the aeffects of gossip, or even how to co-operate with others.
• Have students do a project on bullying and civil rights
• Have students construct anti-bullying posters