Recognizing bullying behavior
One out of every five students has reported that they have been bullied in their lifetime, according to the National Center of Education Statistics. As an educator, what can you do to notice and put an end to bullying and other aggressive behaviors within your classroom?
Tips to identify bullying in your classroom
Bullying can affect children both physically and emotionally. These negative impacts on a student’s wellbeing will likely distract a child from their growth and learning. When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying and other aggressive behaviors in children, they can effectively avert destructive tendencies from an early age. Unfortunately, bullying is not always easily spotted. Use these helpful tips to recognize bullying in your classroom so that you can effectively manage a safe learning environment.
Understand why bullying is taking place in your classroom. It is essential to distinguish between bullying and a typical classroom conflict. Look for repetitive targeting of the same group or individual. A bully is likely to repeat their aggressive acts if they recognize a power imbalance in which the victim(s) is either unable to cope or too afraid to defend themselves.
Recognize common places within the school where bullying occurs: While bullying is prevalent in hallways and classrooms, it is also common in bathrooms and playgrounds, where there is a sense of additional separation from teachers and administrators. It is essential to remain extra vigilant in areas where students are spread out or spaces with subtle hiding spots.
Implement a bullying assessment, such as a survey, to measure how safe your students feel in the classroom. Take a baseline survey in the first months of school and assess periodically to effectively track changes in your students’ sense of safety. Be sure to gather consent from parents and keep your survey responses private.
Develop a reporting system that allows students to safely notify an adult when they feel that they have witnessed aggressive behaviors or been bullied. This system should provide a level of anonymity that protects and empowers the reporting student.
Similarly, create an open dialogue with parents and guardians regarding instances of bullying in the classroom that are reported at home. Students may feel embarrassed opening up to their teachers or peers about acts of aggression made against them, but they may discuss these experiences in the comfort of their homes with a loved one. All cases of bullying must be brought to a teacher's attention so that they can be appropriately addressed.
Bullying may take place among your students around the clock and in places that you cannot see, including the internet and via mobile messaging. Deter this behavior by discussing internet safety with your class and reminding students that all internet posts are permanent. If technology is a common tool used in your classroom, routinely monitor any shared spaces for evidence of cyberbullying. Critical indicators of cyberbullying are targeted posts or messages towards a group or individual.
As an educator, you must create a safe and comfortable learning environment for your students. Recognize key indicators of bullying and identify opportunities to curb aggressive behaviors in your classroom.