Teachers being knowledgeable and observant

Teachers and administrators need to be aware that although bullying generally happens in areas such as the bathroom, playground, crowded hallways, and school buses as well as via cell phones and computers (where supervision is limited or absent), it must be taken seriously. Teachers and administrators should emphasise that telling is not tattling. If a teacher observes bullying in a classroom, he/she needs to immediately intervene to stop it, record the incident and inform the appropriate school administrators so the incident can be investigated. Having a joint meeting with the bullied student and the student who is bullying is not recommended — it is embarrassing and very intimidating for the student that is being bullied.

Set positive expectation about behaviour for students

Schools and classrooms must offer students a safe learning environment. Teachers and coaches need to explicitly remind students that bullying is not accepted in school and such behaviours will have consequences. Creating an anti-bullying document and having both the student and the parents/guardians sign and return it to the school office helps students understand the seriousness of bullying. Also, for students who have a hard time adjusting or finding friends, teachers and administrators can facilitate friendships or provide “jobs” for the student to do during lunch and intervals so that children do not feel isolated or in danger of becoming targets for bullying.

Strategies for Students Who are Bullied

• Teach students to avoid retaliation. (suggest things to do instead of hurting back)

• Develop social skills and teach the students how to make friends.

• Encourage students to take up self-confidence, and self-esteem classes, for example: martial arts classes.

• Encourage students to get involved in school activities eg, sports teams, drama classes, school projects.

• Encourage other students to befriend bully victims and to closely monitor interactions with others.

• When appropriate suggest professional counselling for the student who is bullied (one to one or small groups)