Working as a Team to Create a Bully-Free Classroom

"It's that time of year again. Crisp mornings and earlier sunsets signal more than just the end of summer. They also mean back-to-school shopping, homework help, and the start of fall sports. In many ways, school is like a team sport. You have players and supportive leaders who work together to create a culture of learning, growth, and success."

"Unfortunately, bullying remains a concern in schools. According to stopbullying.gov, 26.3% of middle school students have reported incidents of bullying, along with about 16% of high school students and 10% of elementary school students. This only tells part of the story, as only about half of bully cases are reported. Like any strong team, school communities need a good game plan to ensure a safe and inclusive environment."

"Stakeholders Coaches: Parents, caretakers, teachers, aides, school support staff. Team Managers: School counselors and resource officers. Team owners: School administration and district leadership. If a child is showing bully behavior: Hold them accountable for their actions and provide appropriate consequences. Explore underlying causes (intolerance, emotions, impulse control, social issues, lack of problem-solving skills, etc.). Help them develop skills to lead in a positive way. Get help from the school counselor or a therapist. When ready, guide them in authentically repairing harm."

Bullying in schools persists across all grade levels, with reported rates of 26.3% in middle school, about 16% in high school, and 10% in elementary, while roughly half of incidents go unreported. Effective prevention requires coordinated roles for parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff. Communities should adopt a comprehensive plan that emphasizes accountability for perpetrators, exploration of underlying causes, skill-building, and restorative repair of harm. Targets need reassurance, support, and access to counseling and safety measures. Schools should foster inclusive climates through clear expectations, adult leadership, reporting mechanisms, and collaboration among all stakeholders to promote safety and well-being.

Read at Psychology Today