What can educators do to prevent and address bullying?

Preventing bullying takes a team effort that begins with an awareness and understanding of bullying. Educators should participate in professional development that raises awareness and increases knowledge of bullying issues. Training should also include procedures for appropriately intervening and responding to reports of bullying.

Although training is essential for addressing bullying, the number one thing educators can do is to create a climate that doesn’t allow bullying to occur. Creating a positive classroom and school climate rooted in shared values and responsible student participation can help student feel safe, supported, and engaged in school. How is this done? It begins by getting to know the students and developing positive relationships with them; teaching rules and expectations; modeling and teaching expected behaviors; spending time discussing what bullying is and how to report it; teaching the difference between reporting (telling to keep someone safe) and tattling (telling to get someone in trouble), and facilitating development of social-emotional competencies so students have the tools to deal with problems and stressors they may face. It also means monitoring hot spots, stopping all inappropriate behavior whether it is bullying or other aggression, and consistently responding to bullying so students know it is not acceptable behavior.

Educators have an important role in intervention as well. Effective adult follow-through is critical when bullying is witnessed, suspected, or reported. This includes addressing the power imbalance present in bullying situations, providing tools to help students address the problem, and checking in with the involved students on an individual basis.

All adults in a school should be prepared to address bullying they witness by stopping the inappropriate behavior. Stand between the student who is bullying and the student being bullied to separate them and block eye contact. Be sure everyone is safe. State clearly that the observed behavior is unacceptable and remind students of relevant rules. Offer support to the student who was bullied but avoid asking questions in front of other students (that can happen later at a follow up meeting if needed). Address the bystanders to let them know their actions were noticed. Thank them for speaking up or remind them of how they might intervene next time.

Adults don’t always witness bullying firsthand so also need to be prepared to respond if bullying is suspected or reported. If suspected, gather information to confirm or rule out whether a student is being bullied.

• Create a short survey for students.
• Talk with students.
• Conduct a sociometric survey to help map social isolation and popularity.

Even if no evidence of bullying is found, the process will help educators gain insight into students’ social relationships.

When bullying is reported, the report should always be taken seriously, and action taken. Educators should talk individually with the student being harmed and the student who caused harm. Ask open-ended and probing questions. Document what is said and follow up with a formal investigation as needed. This may include creating a safety plan for students who are bullied and redirecting behavior of students who bullied others. Finally, notify parents of students who were involved.