Dealing With the Bully and the Victim

Teachers are in an especially difficult position when dealing with “bullies” because not only do they have to contend with the assailant, but they must be able to provide a safe environment for the victim. All schools should have some sort of program that will give the children, non-violent resources to settle their differences. Since bullies can be very intimidating educators need to be able to recognize the signs of a student being victimized.
These behaviors can include staying close to teachers, frequent visits to the school nurse with complaints of not feeling well, reluctance to attend school, withdrawal from others, poor concentration, poor academic performance, and refusal to try new experiences. A student who is anxious about being victimized either during lunch or on the way home from school cannot concentrate on school work.
It’s imperative for schools to hold workshops, assemblies, a school campaign, and have a school policy of zero tolerance. Assembly programs stressing character development and positive social interaction can be held.
The following steps may help the classroom teacher stop bullying issues before they even begin:
• Focus on students’ doing the right thing.
• Reinforce positive behaviors and work from students’ strengths.
• Be a positive role model. Students will emulate teacher’s treatment of and reactions to students. When a teacher reacts in a positive manner to students, other students will exhibit similar behavior. When teachers value the contributions of students, students will value the contributions of other students.
• Establish a classroom environment that allows students to voice their opinions.
• Enforce the concept that each student is allowed to have his/her opinion and can agree or disagree with the thoughts of others.
• Provide a forum for students to express their thoughts.
• Encourage many solutions to problem solving.
• Enable students to express feelings through speaking, writing, art, music, dance, and dramatization.
• Develop an appreciation of diversity in population and thoughts.
• Provide opportunities for cooperative group work, peer tutoring, and peer mediation.
Probably the worst thing a teacher can do about bullying is ignore it. If you do not know what to do, ask other teachers or administrators, but don’t think the children will be able to work it out on their own, they need adult intervention.