Nadia Buckus
Bullying gangs often become violent gangs that are involved in crime, so schools need to respond pro-actively to bullying to prevent it from becoming gangsterism.
SEE MORE: BLOG: Speaking out against bullying
Research shows that most children believe that when they report the bullying to an educator, nothing is going to be done to stop it.
The role of educators with regards to bullying, educators have to help eliminate bullying.
Following are some ideas:
Set an example by treating all children with respect. Never pick on a physical characteristic or a difference when disciplining a child.
Teaching children to be assertive and boosting every child’s self-confidence will help them deal with bullies.
All schools should have an anti-bullying policy that seeks to protect all children.
It is very important that learners know that all forms of bullying are totally unacceptable within the school.
It is also important to be aware of the needs of a child who is a bully. Bullying behaviour is sometimes a sign that the bully is experiencing problems at home.
Indicate to a bully, that their behaviour is unacceptable. In addition, be prepared to work with the bully to help them find alternative ways of behaving.
• Enforce anti-bully laws as part of the Code of Conduct for learners.
• Make it clear that bullying is never acceptable.
• Recognise that bullying can occur at all levels within the school.
• Hold a school conference day or forum devoted to bullying/victim problems.
• Increase adult supervision in the schoolyard, hallways, and toilets.
• Emphasise caring, respect, and safety.
• Emphasise consequences of hurting others.
• Enforce consistent and immediate consequences for aggressive behaviours.
• Improve communication among school administrators, teachers, parents, and learners.
• Have a school problem box where learners can report problems, concerns and offer suggestions.
• Help bullies with anger control and the development of empathy.
• Encourage positive peer relations.
• Offer a variety of extra-curricular activities which appeal to a range of interests.
READ MORE: BLOG: Train your brain to thinking more positively
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