- First, the school officals should assess the scope of bullying in the school through surveys and raise awareness of the problem through workshops and student assemblies.
- Schools should implement a "Zero Tolerance" policy for bullying. A model that Ken Rigby suggests for such a policy includes a clear and specific definition of bullying, and specific and non- biased (i.e- no exceptions) punishment proceedings.
Teachers should:
- Develop and maintain good classroom managment.
- Create a learning environment in which students feel safe and respected. Even if your school does not have an anti-bullying policy, you can still have a zero tolerance policy in your classroom
- Avoid "picking on" students with sarcasm and/or intimidation. Other students see this as an excuse to bully.
- Immediately intervene in bullying incidents and investigate complaints of bullying victims.
-Maintain communication with the parents of bullies and victims. This includes follow-up communication even if the situation improves.
- Teach your child the difference between telling and tattling. Tattling is telling purely just to get someone else in trouble. You tell one someone to get help
- Encourage your child to tell you or another adult when he or she is being bullied. Explain when your child should seek help and that keeping silent will not make things much better.
- If your child is accused of bullying, it is only natural to be defensive, however, do not dismiss acussations of bullying without knowing the facts, or make excuses. Investigate the problem and make it clear to your child that bullying is unacceptable behavior
- If your child is a bullying victim, do not convey to him/her that something is wrong with them or that they deserve to be bullied, Offer them your support but do not encourage social withdrawal or become overprotective. Teach him/her how to react to bulliying without returning the agression by walking away and not showing much emotion.
- Keep in touch with your child's school life. Become a volunteer, if time permits. If you suspect that your child is being bullied, pay the school a visit and observe his or her classroom, cafeteria activities, and recess. Join the PTA/PTO and become active in developing discipline policies for bullying
- This part is for every adult
- Things that go on in our schools is the responsibilty of the community. This problem should be addressed at community and/or council meetings to expose the problem, and help soud be enlisted form community/ city leaders
- Raise awareness in places other than school (i.e.- anti-bullying programs afterschool, YMCA/YWCA, girl/boy scouts, church, etc.
- Become a school volunteer and become involved with your community school by attending school board meetings to raise awareness. These meetings are all open to the public.