School Guide

How to eliminate bullying in schools

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Oct 16, 2013
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  • Teach children to speak up immediately

Take the time and talk to your kids every day and ask how their day. Don't approach the bullies yourself. Let the school reach out to the parents and go from there. Do talk to and inform your child's teacher, the nurses and the bullies' teacher. Do coach your kids how wrong it is to be picked on and that they aren't doing anything wrong by seeking out their teacher, a counsellor, the principal and/or you.

  • Don't be blind to signs that your child might be being bullied 
  • Implement a school-wide anti-bullying program
  • Out the bully

The only satisfactory action is to out the bully,

reporting them to the teacher or administration. If the school does not discipline the student then take the child out of school. Private schools do not allow rudeness, children are taught to treat each other with respect.

  • Volunteer at the school to observe for yourself

Some take the approach of asking the bully if they knew what they were doing, if they were aware of how their actions made the other child feel. This question has sometimes worked well. Many kids aren't aware they are "being a bully" and once it's pointed out to them a light bulb seemed to turn on. No one wants to be a bully but perhaps they don't realize they fell into a pattern of bullying to get their way."

  • Get the whole school community involved

When parents and caregivers along with teachers and members of the community, all come together in a basic philosophy to "reach out and connect" with our children we are all one step ahead of the game. The more people that know the child and show the child that there are people who know them and care about them, the more children will reach out for help, victims and more importantly, the bully himself."

  • A parent's visit to the school can make a difference

A parent's presence, at least at the primary school level, can scare off a bully in some instances.

  • Some tips from a school counsellor

"Bullies are usually victims of bullying themselves, i.e., from older siblings. Encouraging kids to have healthy personal boundaries is the first step to reduce bullying. Educating kids how to communicate appropriately, effectively and respectfully is something school staff and family can do. Ultimately kids need to know that whatever they are feeling, they can confide in a safe environment and trust that someone cares enough to pay attention to what they are saying."