How to Prevent Bullying in a K-8 Classroom
Creating a Climate of Trust and Acceptance for All Students
Oct 6, 2009
Bullying occurs whenever children say or do something to hurt another. Over time, the effects on the victim, those who stand by and allow it, and the bullies themselves, can be devastating. While boys are typically more physical or verbal when bullying, girls can cause harm through ostracizing or spreading rumors about others, and cyberbullying through social network sites is a concern for both. However, teachers can successfully establish a "bully-free" zone in their classrooms.
Developing a Classroom Climate of Trust and Acceptance
For many children, the classroom is the only structured environment they may be in all day. It is the teacher's responsibility to ensure that the environment is not only conducive to learning, but also to mutual trust, respect, and acceptance. Teachers set this tone through recognizing and encouraging kindnesses, celebrating the unique strengths each child possesses, and keeping a watchful eye out for children who need additional help learning to get along with each other.
K-8 teachers can also set a policy of zero tolerance for bullying in their classrooms. Address infractions immediately as teachable moments, drawing attention to the intent behind the action and discussing alternatives. Providing children with steps for resolving conflicts is helpful, too, especially if it is a routine practiced school-wide. Finally, role-playing bullying situations allows all members of the class to see the consequences of their actions and to brainstorm more productive ways to interact.
Teaching Tolerance Across the Curriculum
Children become more tolerant of each other's differences when they are taught explicitly to appreciate the unique qualities that each contributes to the classroom. Teachers can foster these attitudes daily by regularly pointing out accomplishments and contributions made by each student. When students know they are valued members of a larger learning community, they no longer feel a need to put others down.
Children can learn lessons of tolerance through children's literature, too. Characters who face discrimination and hatred can provide fuel for discussion, and through vicarious experience and exploration of attitudes, allow bullies, victims, and those who stand by, the opportunity to learn different ways of handling conflict. Likewise, the famous people and real-life stories from other curricular areas can provide a different vehicle for understanding and accepting differences, and learning how others have resolved conflicts peacefully.
Teaching Appropriate Social Skills to Students
Some classes just cannot seem to get along, and the teacher must proactively teach social skills. By modeling and evaluating appropriate skills (such as active listening, making eye contact, taking turns, and agreeing to disagree) as a part of cooperative group lessons, teachers give students the opportunity to practice what to say or do when involved in a potential conflict. Recognizing the transfer of these skills into other situations reinforces the concepts for students.
Most states have also mandated Social-Emotional Learning Standards that take into account the social skills and other facets of emotional intelligence that children need to get along with each other and be successful in life. By infusing the benchmark behaviors from these standards into daily lessons, teachers are meeting the mandate and providing students with essential life skills and attitudes. (See State Board of Education websites for local standards.)
Bullying is, unfortunately, a common problem that can be prevented through active adult intervention. Avoiding the mindset that "kids will be kids", teachers and parents can work together to provide the type of learning environment where children are not only becoming academically more proficient, but also becoming more adept at being accepting and tolerant citizens of a wider learning community.
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