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Bullies can be the cause of classroom disruption, learning problems due to low self-esteem, and behavior problems in both bullies and bullied children. Properly addressing and preventing bullying is an important yet challenging feat. Teachers, parents and students must work together to tackle bullying. I have seen the following 3 policies effectively help schools know how to deal with bullying in elementary schools throughout the Northwest.
 Implement school-wide anti bullying policies
Set a universal school policy for bullies. Make bullying an open and discussed concept in classrooms. This helps children to be open about problems associated with bullies. A no-tolerance approach with strict punishments for bullies will make bullying less frequent. Those who are bullied are more likely to come forward if they feel the problem will be addressed. Children with a tendency to bully will become aware of the negative connotation associated with bullies and thus be inhibited to continue bullying.
Prepare educators and parents to recognize and handle bullying
Stress that teachers are not to ignore bullying. Ignoring the problem tells children that bullying is at least overlooked if not accepted. Every teacher should implement the same punishments to bullies in their classrooms. Send pamphlets and resources home to parents on how to deal with bullying. Having conversations at home as well as in school will enforce the seriousness of bullying to children.
Teach children about bullying
Teach children how to recognize bullies by giving them example scenarios in which they must identify bullies. Stress to the children how to refuse bullies and stand up to them. Make it very evident that reporting bullying is important and not the same thing as tattling. Teach children that they should not believe what bullies tell them, but report what was said to a teacher or parent.
You can learn more about bullying and how to prevent and handle this problem in your school by checking out the Steps to Respect program promoted by the Committee for Children.
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