Breaking up Bully Gangs

Meet with victim or victims separately - have them write down what happened
Meet with each member of the gang separately - have them write down what happened
Agree with each member of the gang separately what you expect and discuss how he/she has broken the school guidelines
Meet with gang as a group and have each state what happened in your individual meeting; ensure that everyone is clear about what happened
Prepare them to face their peer group - "What are you going to say when you leave here?"
Decide about setting up 'bully courts'. This will depend upon what has been agreed with parents and governors. For details about 'bully courts', contact Kidscape
Whatever is decided, reiterate to all students that they are all responsible if anyone is being bullied - there are no innocent bystanders
Talk to parents of all involved - show them written statements
Keep a file on bullying with all statements and penalties
Teach victims strategies (as in Kidscape lessons)
Do not accept false excuses - if the bullying was an accident, did the children act by helping the victim or getting help or giving sympathy? If it was just a laugh, was everyone laughing? If it was a game, was everyone enjoying it?
If a child is injured, take photographs of the injury, but check with the parents first.
If gangs of bullies from outside your school appear, take photographs - they tend to run when they see the camera
If there is serious injury, contact the police.

Professionals