Bullying is a complex phenomenon. The best way to address bullying is to avoid an “emergency” approach only aimed at tackling the problem when it is blatantly occurring. It is important to firmly and promptly intervene when a serious episode of bullying happens at school. However, it is crucial to adopt a primarily preventive and educational perspective (Espelage, 2015; Smith, 2020). The benefits of this approach are twofold:

1. It allows a “normal” coexistence to be re-established within the classroom when a “case” of bullying has been solved.
2. It helps to prevent the emergence of bullying and/or the escalation of serious problems.

Similarly to what you have learnt about the interventions to address bullying episodes which are actually occurring, preventative and educationally-focused anti-bullying approaches can work at different levels. At each level, teachers may play a key role, working collaboratively with other school personnel, students and families.  

To what extent are the following present in your school?

School

Class

For Bullied Student

Family/Community

Reflection Activity

On a preventive level, our challenge as teachers and educators is to make bullying ‘uncool’. It takes time and effort but we can do it one step at a time. We could start by stimulating discussion among students about what bullying is, so that everyone understands why it’s not ok or normal. We could then encourage students to support one another and to be caring. In this effort, it is paramount to always act as positive models within relationships with others at school (students, colleagues, parents).

How could you foster a classroom culture in which children demonstrate kindness, acceptance and inclusion? Try to think of concrete ways, even small daily actions you could adopt.