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One of the biggest issues we have in school systems across the country is student safety. In 2017, many students do not feel safe at school. The issue with safety isn't always relegated to outside threats, but more and more students feel threatened at school due to bullying. Bullying is an issue that is present at all schools, and it can be found on every grade level. The question is, how do we as teachers eliminate this bullying issue? Below are some links to some helpful resources and articles that I think will be beneficial in establishing a safe, bully-free learning environment. Feel free to check them out at your leisure, but I would also like to hear from you.
Current teachers: How do you handle bullying in your schools/classrooms?
Future teachers: What methods do you plan to implement to ensure a bully-free environment at your school/future classroom?
Bullying is a major issue in our school systems, so let's work together to "knock out" bullying--ONCE AND FOR ALL!!
Warning signs for bullying.
https://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/warning-signs/index.html
Facts about bullying.
http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/school-bullying.html
Different types of bullying.
https://injury.research.chop.edu/violence-prevention-initiative/types-violence-involving-youth/bullying-schools#.WcUoRsYVjcs
Great post, and very relevant to modern education. One of the biggest assets to "knocking out" bullying is for teachers to have a true and honest interest in students as individuals. Being aloof and disinterested in student affairs is never an excuse to be ignorant toward reality.
ReplyDeleteBullying is a huge issue in my school and it is commonly disguised as "janking". I feel like the students at my school are very much separated into the "haves and have-nots", but in reality they are all on the same level. Some parents choose to spend their hard earned money on the nicest material things and the ones who do not have those things will be made fun of. I understand that kids are immature, but the same child making fun of another every day over and over is bullying. Sometimes teachers have to take a stand for students because they're too afraid to stand up for themselves.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic. I have to agree with Scott in that teachers have to take an active role in their students education, and that that means more than just while they are sitting in a desk in your room. I also think that it is important for students to be educated on bullying in relevant ways. One way this can be done is through teacher and peer-modeling. Baldwin County has implemented a hugely successful program called the Peer Helpers. As a student, I was a member of the inaugural group of "guinea pigs" at my high school and it has since grown into an enormous effort. I could try to explain everything these groups do (there is one at every school in Baldwin County now), but I'll have to provide a quick summary and link instead because it is so much.
ReplyDeleteEssentially, students apply for the program. It is a class in which students learn about a myriad of issues facing their peers. They take this knowledge and create programs and campaigns on campus to educate their peers on the issue. They also can serve as tour guides, tutors, lunch buddies, and so much more. It's really great!!
http://jennifermoorefoundation.com/peer-helper-program/current-programs/
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ReplyDeleteI think this is a great topic. I would dare to say every single school experiences bullying to some extent. I am not currently teaching, but when I do, I plan to take a proactive approach. I think confronting a problem head-on would be better than sitting back and waiting for an explosion. I think as a teacher, we need to establish a "no bullying" zone in the classroom on the first day of school. Students need to know teachers are paying attention and it will not be tolerated. Teachers can try to be present in the hallways before and after class to deter bullying at school.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter entered second grade this year. On the first day of class, each child drew a picture of themselves. Then they had to tear it into pieces. After that, they glued it back together. The teacher explained that even though it was the same picture, it would always have those small tears. I thought this was an excellent way to explain hurtful words to second graders. It has really stuck with my child.