Bullying in schools has grown to be a serious issue that impacts millions of children daily. A good number of students have testified that they had experienced bullying, and many of the victims said they felt insecure at school.
By putting these seven practical tips we would be providing below into practice, schools can encourage all kids to stop bullying before it starts.
What is Bullying?
The three traits of intent, repetition, and power are typically used to identify bullying. A bully is someone who persistently uses physical force, cruel words, or cruel actions with the intention of causing suffering. Bullying that is physical is more common among boys, but bullying that is psychological is more common among girls.
Youngsters who bully typically come from a position of perceived authority or superior social standing, such as being bigger, more powerful, or more famous. Bullying is more likely to affect the most vulnerable kids. These are frequently children from marginalised communities, low-income families, children of different gender identities, children with disabilities, or children who are migrants or refugees.
Bullying can occur online as well as in person. Cyberbullying frequently takes place via social media, email, instant messaging, SMS, or any other online platform where kids can communicate. It might be challenging to determine whether your child is impacted because parents might not always monitor what their kids are doing on these sites.
Indicators That a Child is Being Bullied
- Physical indicators including inexplicable scrapes, bruises, fractures, and healing wounds
- Fear of attending school or participating in school activities
- Being anxious, uneasy, or extremely watchful
- Lack of friends, both inside and outside of school
- Avoiding social situations or abruptly losing friends
- Loss or destruction of clothing, gadgets, or other personal property
- Frequently requesting money
- Poor academic performance
- Absence from school or phoning home to request a ride
- Seeking to remain close to grownups
- Having trouble sleeping and possibly experiencing nightmares
- Complaining of physical illnesses such as stomachaches or headaches
- Frequently upset after using their phone or the internet (without a valid reason)
- Becomes unusually private, particularly about their online activity
- Having violent or furious outbursts
Talk to your children about what they think is good and terrible behaviour in school, in the community and online. It is crucial to establish open communication so that your children will feel comfortable telling you about what is happening in their lives.
Tips for Reducing Bullying
Here are seven (7) effective strategies to lessen or avoid bullying in school;
1) Motivate Students to Support One Another
Bullying is a serious problem that impacts both adults and children. Pupils need to be aware of the telltale symptoms of bullying and how to prevent it. Children who are weak or different are frequently targeted by bullies, making them more susceptible. By defending others when they witness bullying, students can contribute to its cessation.
Additionally, people should be alert to bullies, who might be harming others without being aware of it. Some bullies, for instance, make fun of people based on their size, sexual orientation, or colour. Children must understand that they should intervene and speak up if they suspect someone is attempting to harm another person by their words or deeds.
2) Inform Students of the Risks Associated with Bullying
Compared to their peers, bullied youngsters are more likely to experience anxiety, sadness, and anger. According to studies, the typical victim of bullying misses roughly ten school days a year due to worry and dread. Children who are picked on are also more likely to drop out of high school or college early. Helping kids understand what it’s like for someone to feel excluded or singled out could make them think twice before picking on others themselves.
List the various emotions someone may experience if they were being bullied, such as sadness, loneliness, frustration, and anger. Equipping your child with knowledge and teaching them how to remain composed in the face of bullies is the greatest approach to keeping them safe at school. Bullying among pupils can be significantly reduced by teaching them effective dispute-resolution techniques.
3) Establish a Policy Against Bullying
Children of all ages are affected by bullying, but middle and high school students are particularly vulnerable. Although confronting bullies requires a lot of bravery and strength, families and schools can also be helpful. By putting regulations in place and instructing students on how to curb bullying before it begins, schools may contribute to its cessation.
Students should also be encouraged to speak up if they witness bullying occurring or if they are the ones participating in it. Adults should set a good example by not bullying others, as this only fosters an atmosphere in which bullying is encouraged.
4) Instill Compassion and Understanding
Understanding what empathy is is the first step. It is commonly mistaken for pity, which is the emotion of sympathy for the plight of another person. Even if you disagree with or dislike the other person’s feelings, demonstrating empathy entails admitting that they exist.
Empathy can also be taught by modelling kindness in regular interactions. Small acts of kindness like holding a door open for someone or praising them for their efforts can make a big difference. To show someone you care about them and are making an effort to comprehend their sentiments, try to be aware of their feelings while you are being kind to them.
Additionally, through counselling sessions, adults can teach pupils empathy skills so they will have the resources they need to deal with similar problems in the future.
5) Clearly Define The Rules
Establishing a strong sense of authority through the establishment of clear norms and regulations can significantly reduce or avoid bullying. One way to set these rules is to work with the student to create a behaviour contract. Both the teacher and the student will draft this agreement, which will specify what conduct is appropriate and what sanctions could be applied for misbehaviour.
Make a consequence sheet that details what happens in the event of an infringement. Restitution, in some sort, should always be a part of these sanctions. After everyone has accepted the rules, post the terms on the classroom wall as a reminder.
6) Effective Communication
Parents can assist by having honest conversations with their kids about the kinds of behaviour that could be considered bullying so that they understand what is and isn’t acceptable. It’s also critical that children feel supported by someone who would listen to them without passing judgment and provide them guidance.
They will have the resources necessary to deal with these difficult circumstances if they discuss options as a family. When someone else is being bullied, you should urge your child to speak up for themselves and report the incident to an adult. Discuss with your child the importance of forming healthy relationships at school and avoiding bullies.
Recognise that bullies can take many different forms and that because they operate behind closed doors, you may not always see them coming. Participate in your child’s school life and let them know you are available to help if they need it.
7) Lead by Example
The best way to prevent bullying is to lead by example. Your children will be less inclined to bully others if you can model for them how to be compassionate, kind, and inclusive people. The likelihood that one individual will be bullied decreases when more people defend one another. Make sure they know that bullying, whether it comes from adults or kids, is never acceptable. Make careful to remind children that regardless of their origin, everyone deserves respect and inclusion.
Bullying in schools can be avoided in a variety of ways. Most significantly, we give our kids a secure space where they can feel inspired and empowered. Teaching kids to be good people is our duty as adults, and part of that involves teaching them empathy.
Students will find it easier to confront bullies who may target them if they feel that their classmates are rooting for them. Supporting and paying school counsellors is another strategy to lessen bullying in schools so that kids can receive assistance before the problem worsens and turns into something more serious, like depression or suicide.
