PREVENTING BULLYING AND PUT-DOWNS
• To create a strong bullying prevention policy enforced by the adults.
• To empower the "silent majority" of students who witness bullying and do nothing.
• Build an effective support system for protecting those who are picked on.
• Develop intervention programs to change the school climate so bullying is not possible.
• Recognize that bullies feel scared. Create ways to help bullies deal with their fears.
• Develop ways to help bullies experience positive social rewards.
• Survey students/teachers on their perceptions of bullying and put-downs.
Guidelines for Creating a School-Wide Bullying Prevention Program
- Start with an in-service for the entire faculty and staff.
- Use results of the student/teacher surveys as part of the in-service.Involve parents.
- Hold meetings; send home information on results of student/teacher surveys on bullying and put-downs.
- Involve everyone in the school in the process of developing the policy.
- Conduct classroom discussions about bullying and put-downs.
- Use results of the survey to stimulate classroom discussion. The Spreading Kindness Program Guide I has suggested classroom activities.
- Have teachers and students establish 3-4 classroom rules such as these:
- We agree that no student will be permitted to bully or put-down any other student.
- We agree that we will come to the aid of any student being bullied or put-down by telling a bully to stop and/or by getting help from an adult.
- We agree to include all students in all activities at school or on the playground.
- Involve everyone in the school in developing 3-4 overall school rules such as these:
- All staff members will confront bullying and put-downs as soon as they are identified.
- Students agree to help those being bullied or put-down by speaking out and by getting adult help.
- All students agree to include everyone in their activities. No one is marginalized.
- Post these rules in every classroom and in all public areas such as restrooms, playgrounds and lunchrooms.
- Think through how to best advertise the policy.
- Consider having the School Board adopt the policy.
Enforcement Guidelines:
- Intervene quickly
- Enforce consistently
- Develop procedures for investigating incident reports
- Use the school counselor to teach bullies new ways to get their needs met
- Find positive ways to channel the bullying behavior
Evaluation
- Re-administer the survey after the policy is in effect and compare results
- Compare number and kinds of discipline referral pre and post
- Compare number of put-downs pre and post
If you are interested in having us help you create a bullying prevention program for your school, please contact Barry K. Weinhold, Ph.D.,
The Kindness Campaign
C/O Barry K. Weinhold
117 Lady Slipper Trail
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Phone: 828.686.1890
Email: barryk@weinholds.org
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