This will be a two part series for Bullying Prevention Month. Part two will be released next Wednesday the 26th.
Bullying is a form of purposeful aggression characterized by a disparity in strength or power. It is a pattern of behavior that might be physical, verbal, or interpersonal in nature. Girls frequently abuse people through social exclusion, but boys may use more aggressive physical tactics. Bullying has always been a problem in schools and even workplaces. But more recently, bullying has found a new home thanks to technology and social media, broadening its reach. Bullying that occurs online and on mobile devices is referred to as cyberbullying. Kids can send harsh, continuous messages to other kids throughout the clock on websites like YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat. Messages can be left anonymously on some websites, like Instagram.
It takes dedication to establishing a secure atmosphere where kids can grow academically and socially in order to prevent and end bullying. The American Psychological Association suggests the following measures be taken to combat bullying.
Although bullying typically occurs in places like the restroom, playground, busy halls, school buses, as well as via cell phones and computers (where monitoring is spotty or nonexistent), teachers and administrators need to be aware that it must be addressed seriously. The distinction between telling and tattling should be emphasized by educators and authorities. If a teacher notices bullying occurring in a class, he or she must act quickly to put an end to it, document the situation, and alert the relevant school officials so the issue may be looked into. Joint meetings between the bullied student and the bully are not advised since they can be humiliating and scary for the victim student.
Parents and students must participate in safety teams and antibullying task groups in order to help find a solution. Adults can learn from students about what is actually happening as well as about new technology that children are utilizing to bully others. Students can learn strategies to behave positively and to intervene when bullying happens with the aid of their parents, teachers, and school administration. Older pupils can mentor younger kids and teach them online safety precautions.
Students must have access to a secure learning environment in schools and classrooms. Students need to be explicitly reminded by their teachers and coaches that bullying is not permitted in the classroom and that doing so will result in penalties. Students are helped by creating an antibullying document that they must sign along with their parents or guardians and give in to the school office. Additionally, in order to prevent children from feeling lonely or in danger of becoming targets for bullying, teachers and administrators can help students who are having a hard time adjusting or making friends by facilitating friendships or by giving them “things” to do during lunch and recess.
