As a long term educator and administrator I discovered many years ago the affects of bullying on children but more importantly how bullying can affect a person over the long term. My schooling which includes a MA in Special Education never really hit the mark when it came down to student behavior management and the damage that harassment, intimidation, and bullying can cause in a person’s life. It wasn’t until 1998 that I really took a hard look at this epidemic that plagues our school. Bullying truly is behavior that no one forgets.
Bullying has both short and long term consequences. As a child it reduces self esteem, increases the risk of suicide and depression, causes academic and behavioral problems and contributes to poor attendance. It is estimated by the National Educational Association that more than 180,000 students miss school every day in the United States because of being bullied. As a teacher empowerment comes from knowledge and awareness of all of the factors associated with bullying. We need to develop the ability to hold the bully accountable but, more importantly we need to help strengthen the victim and help them build resiliency that leads to lifelong success.
Some important tips that teachers can use to help combat bullying in their classroom are:
- Understand that some things are right or wrong, black or white, no gray area, bullying is one of them
- Teach students to comply with the rules and enforce them with consequences
- Learn to stop asking and start telling. Too many questions can lead to confusion and the bending of the rules
- Educate students on the long term consequences of bullying and the impact that it can have on the bully and the victim
- Teach respect and encourage responsibility at all times
- Teach students How To Cooperate Even Though They Might Disagree
- Encourage students to learn how to disagree but with the right attitude.
- Teach character education in your school and in your classroom
- Keep things simple and follow the golden rule.
