Article Review #2

Bullying is a very common topic in today’s news and in schools. Some surveys show that 15-20% of students are bullied at some point in their school career (Shane). This bullying affects the learning environment for not only the students that are bullied but the entire school. It makes it hard for students to learn and perform the way teachers want and expect them to.

            Even if students aren’t being bullied witnessing the act of bullying can have a very negative effect on students. It makes them feel as though the school isn’t a safe place where they can be comfortable. When students don’t feel comfortable in a classroom they are less likely to participate and play an active role in the classroom. These students are also more likely to cause problem behaviors or shut down because they do not feel safe.

            While many schools are taking an active stance on preventing and educating about bullying, Shane believes that many teachers are ignoring the act and/or the signs of bullying. Some may think it is a phase that students go through or may be a rite of passage. Some of the signs of bullying that should draw teacher’s attention are anxiety, visiting the nurse frequently, bruises, decreased performance in school, sadness and avoidance of friends, and unexplained bruises (Shane).

            Shane provides some strategies for dealing with bullies and preventing bullying. He believes the most important thing is to act immediately. Some teachers may wait to report the act or step in, believing that students should stand up for themselves. His reasoning is that most bullies are bigger than their victim and the victim is too afraid to stand up to the bully (Shane). I think that it is important for teachers to acknowledge the student but I also think that if a student goes running to a teacher about every little thing that the student might get picked on more because of it.

            Shane also suggests talking privately with the bully. He says you should find out what the bully is trying to gain and their reason for bullying. You should let the bully know that the behavior will not be tolerated and you will monitor them closely and follow up with consequences if it happens again (Shane). I think this strategy is a good idea, especially if you are able to get the student to open up and share what is driving them to bully others. Sometimes it is a cry for help or attention and if you can solve the problem the behavior may diminish.

            When disciplining the bully it is important to remember you want to deter the actions, not humiliate them. Shane suggests taking away certain classroom privileges and keeping the bully from places and activities where they have bullied other students in the past. He also suggests including the parents in making a plan from preventing the behavior from reoccurring (Shane). I think it is important to keep the bully’s dignity intact. If the bully feel’s humiliated and disrespected they may continue to bully out of spite to make themselves feel powerful again.

            Another method Shane uses is helping students that are isolated become involved with their peers. Bullies tend to target students that are isolated and don’t have a strong peer group to support them. If a teacher can help a student become part of a group, that student will be less likely to be targeted. Reinforcing positive behavior and relationships is also important in classrooms. When students see they can be rewarded for treating others kindly and with respect they are more likely to keep displaying that behavior.

            Knowing how to effectively deal with bullies in a classroom is important so that all students feel safe and comfortable in the classroom. This promotes an environment conducive to learning and allows students to actively participate.

References

Shore, Ken. (n.d.). Classroom problem solver: Bullying behavior. Retrieved from

            http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/shore/shore061.shtml