Dealing with Bullying and Bullies

• Tell the children from Day One that bullying (verbal or physical) is not tolerated in the school. Everyone is expected to ensure that it does not happen and has the responsibility to tell - this is not telling tales.
• In class, have the children discuss bullying; what it is, what can be done, etc.
• Have the children do a school survey to find out what children, teachers and staff think about bullying. Is it a problem, should it go on, should children tell if they are being bullied?
• Have the children compile the survey and allow them to call a school assembly to announce the results.
• Have the classes make up rules for behaviour. Agree a class/school set of rules.
• Agree possible solutions (or punishments if necessary). This can be done by the children in 'bully courts'.
• Have the children discuss ways to help the bullies become part of the group.
• If bullying is happening, find out the facts, talk to the bullies and victims individually. If the bullying is about a particular issue (e.g. death, divorce, disfigurement), mount an education programme about the problem, but not focused on a particular child. Call in parents, ask their suggestions and solicit their support.
• If necessary break up the group dynamics by assigning places, keeping bullies at school at the end of the day, etc. Most bullying groups have a leader with other children being frightened of not bullying. Turn peer pressure against bullying and break up groups.
• Teach children to be assertive using programmes such as Kidscape. Differences should be acceptable and never a cause for bullying. Reward and encourage children for individuality.

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