Bullying in school is unethical, and the consequences of bullying can be dangerous. So, every educator must prevent this.
In a 2018 study, Fry et al. reveals how bullying at school is linked to more students not attending school. Bullying reduces students’ school satisfaction, prompting immediate action to provide safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for all.
An educational institute’s environment should boost students’ confidence, and should have no room for bullying. Educators play an essential role in grooming students, and they can prevent all forms of bullying.
This EDU Blog will guide educators about bullying and how to prevent bullying in schools.
What is Bullying in Schools
At school, bullying refers to when one student continuously hurts, abuses, or intimidates another student. It could also be, when one person uses their social influence or physical power over another.
Remember that bullying is wrong and can make the victim feel awful, terrified, or isolated. This is the most crucial thing to remember. It is necessary to take a stand against bullying and build a supportive and secure school environment for all students.
Types of Bullying in Schools
Bullying can take many different forms, some are even normalized in educational institutions. Some common examples of bullying are:
- Verbal bullying: Bullying by words is hurting, insulting, or otherwise degrading or humiliating another person. Name-calling, teasing, taunting, spreading rumors, or making harsh comments about someone’s looks, ability, or background are all behaviors that fall under this category.
- Physical bullying: It refers to activities carried out to cause damage or intimidate, such as hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, or causing damage to another person’s things.
- Emotional bullying: Bullying that targets students’ emotions or sense of self-worth is called emotional bullying. Bullying that targets a person’s emotions or sense of self-worth is known as psychological bullying. Constant criticism, humiliation, manipulation, intimidation, or threats are all examples of what can fall under this category.
- Cyberbullying: As technology has become more widespread, cyberbullying has also increased. It can occur on various internet channels, including social media, email, or text messaging. Sending threatening or unpleasant messages, spreading rumors or embarrassing images or videos, or impersonating someone else to cause harm are all examples of cyberbullying.
- Sexual bullying: Bullying can take several forms, one of which is known as sexual harassment, which refers to unwanted sexual statements, gestures, or acts that are designed to intimidate, humiliate, or mock another person. It can include sexual harassment, inappropriate touching, or spreading explicit content without consent.
Statistics of Bullying in Schools
According to the National Centre for Educational Statistics (2019), over 20.2% of students report being bullied at school in United States.
According to the findings, males are more likely to be targeted for physical bullying (6% vs. 4%). In comparison, females are more likely to be victims of rumors (18% vs. 9%) and intentional exclusion from activities (7% vs. 4%).
Furthermore, 41% of students who have been bullied believe that it will happen repeatedly. Bullied students specifically cited being mocked, called names, or insulted (13%), being the focus of rumors (13%), experiencing physical aggression such as pushing or tripping (5%), and being purposely excluded from activities (5%).
How Often Do People Report Bullying in Schools
According to a 2019 survey by the UK government, approximately 39% of young people aged 11-16 who experienced bullying reported it to an educator or another adult. The study found that understating is a big problem.
According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, roughly 9% of Australian pupils were bullied weekly in 2018. However, it is essential to note that reporting rates might vary depending on various criteria, including age, gender, and the type of bullying.
Bullying in Schools Causes
Several underlying causes may cause bullying in schools. The following are the three most common causes that contribute to bullying:
When there is a power imbalance between the people involved, this is an important factor in bullying. The bully may think they are more dominant, popular, or influential than the person who is the target of their bullying. Because of the power gap between them, they can exert control over the victim and indulge in threatening behaviors toward them.
A lack of empathy and understanding towards other people can drive bullies. Some people struggle to recognize or value their peers’ and friends’ ideas and experiences. This lack of empathy can lead to disregard of well-being of others, as well as an increased tendency to engage in bullying.
-
The environment and social norms can have a role in the incidence of bullying. Schools that do not have a supportive and welcoming culture can add to the problem. An endless cycle of bullying can be created when hostile behavior such as hostility, contempt, or exclusion is condoned or even considered acceptable.
Bullying may thrive in an environment marked by unfavorable social norms or a culture that places a higher value on power and domination than it does on compassion and respect.
6 Ways Educators Prevent Bullying in Schools
Educators play an essential role in preventing bullying in schools. Here are six strategies that they can use:
1. Foster a Positive School Climate
Create a positive, inclusive school environment that values respect, empathy, and kindness. Please encourage students to be kind to others and provide opportunities for them to participate in cooperative and inclusive activities.
2. Bullying Education
Provide complete education about bullying, its various forms, and the damage it can have on individuals. For doing so, social and emotional learning (SEL) is required. Interested in promoting Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in your school? Take the next step and join our community.
Moreover, teach pupils empathy, respect, and conflict resolution skills to help them realize the value of being kind to others and standing up to bullies.
3. Establish Clear Policies and Processes
Within the school, develop and implement clear anti-bullying policies and processes. Ensure that all students, faculty, and parents know these regulations and the repercussions of bullying behavior.
4. Encourage Reporting and Support Systems
Establish a secure and confidential reporting method for students to report bullying. Encourage students to speak up and provide resources and assistance to help them address and resolve bullying situations.
5. Encourage Positive Relationships and Communication
Encourage positive relationships among students and between students and faculty. Encourage open and honest communication, active listening, and problem-solving abilities in your children. Create trusted relationships with pupils so they can address their issues.
6. Implement Social-Emotional Learning Program:
Implement social-emotional learning programs emphasizing empathy, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and developing constructive connections. These programs assist students in developing the skills needed to negotiate social situations and contribute to a courteous and inclusive school environment.
Educators may build a supportive and safe environment at school that actively works to prevent bullying and enhance the well-being of all children by using these strategies.
In General
Educators can avoid bullying by creating positive relationships, teaching about bullying, establishing clear rules, encouraging reporting, and providing social-emotional learning programs.
If you want more tips and tricks on dealing with bullying and other educational-related problems in school, join our community by creating a free account at EDU Passport. Read our Classroom Management article that will help you in managing and dealing with students that will ultimately prevent bullying.
