Educators and staff want their schools to be safe places for children to learn, but bullying can be an obstacle to education for many children. Children who experience frequent bullying may grow to dislike school and lose confidence in their academic abilities.
Implementing an anti-bullying policy in schools shows students that bullying is unacceptable. Having such a policy in place also gives both teachers and students a consistent framework for dealing with bullying if it should happen.
Take a closer look at what an effective school anti-bullying policy should include.
Definition and Identification of Bullying
Bullying is more than hurting someone’s feelings through a misunderstanding. Bullying is purposeful, aggressive behavior that is meant to harm, hurt, or exert power over another person. It can happen among children of any age. Adults can also be bullied.
Three of the most common types of bullying to include in your school’s policy are physical bullying, verbal bullying, and cyberbullying.
Physical Bullying
Physical bullying typically refers to harming someone’s body or possessions. Physical bullying may include:
- Hitting
- Kicking
- Tripping
- Pushing
- Taking another person’s belongings
Any other unwanted behaviors that involve physical touch could qualify as bullying. Making cruel or threatening gestures is also considered physical bullying.
Verbal Bullying
Verbal bullying includes:
- Saying or writing hurtful things about someone
- Name-calling
- Teasing
Making threats of physical harm also falls into the category of verbal bullying.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying involves harassment that is done via an electronic device. It encompasses:
- Sending hurtful texts
- Posting insults on social media
- Making rude comments on someone else’s social media posts
- Threatening someone through online groups and chats
According to PEW Research, an estimated 59% of teens have experienced cyberbullying.
School-Wide Commitment to Anti-Bullying
Implementing an anti-bullying policy in schools is a comprehensive measure that requires a school-wide commitment to be successful. This commitment demonstrates that all teachers, staff, and administrators are dedicated to maintaining a bully-free environment.
Some examples of what a school-wide anti-bullying commitment might look like include:
- Issuing a statement from school leadership on the school’s anti-bullying stance
- Incorporating anti-bullying policies into the school’s mission and values statement
- Incorporating prevention strategies in the classroom
- Getting student leaders involved
- Training staff
- Communicating anti-bullying policies to families and related organizations, such as the PTA
Creating a school safety team that includes counselors, teachers, parents, administrators, and students can open even more avenues of communication.
Reporting and Investigation Procedures
To be effective, anti-bullying policies in schools must include clear guidelines for reporting bullying incidents and investigating them. Experts agree it is best to keep the reporting process simple and keep all records confidential.
If the documented behaviors are indeed against school policy, the process for reporting should be clear. Who does the child report bullying behavior to? At what point should a parent reach out to a school district superintendent or the state department of training? Including this type of information empowers students and parents and helps to prevent unwarranted reports. An anonymous reporting system could also be beneficial.
Bullying accusations must also be investigated fairly. Having an anti-bullying policy in place helps ensure all situations are handled equally without preference toward any student.
Consequences for Bullying Behavior
A fair and consistent approach to disciplinary action is key to an anti-bullying policy in schools. There should be clear consequences for bullying behavior in the policy. These consequences may be graduated based on the frequency and severity of incidents.
If a child has been found guilty of bullying, consequences to consider include:
- A loss of bus-riding privileges
- Removal from sports teams and other school activities
- Non-admittance to locker rooms or other locations where bullying is taking place
- School suspension
- Expulsion
Depending on the situation, legal consequences could also apply.
Support and Resources for Victims
Schools can help both the victims of bullying and bullies themselves — who have often been victimized in other ways — by providing counseling and other resources. Children who have been bullied may suffer lasting emotional damage without professional mental health support.
Educational Initiatives
Providing anti-bullying education in the curriculum is an effective way to enhance a school-wide policy. Anti-bullying education can also be included in special events, such as school assemblies and other special programs.
Prevention Strategies
Helping children identify what bullying is is the first step toward preventing it. When children have a clear picture of what bullying looks like and how it may affect another person, they are empowered to stand up for themselves and others. Other strategies include:
- Encouraging kids to be involved with activities like hobbies and special interests
- Checking in with kids and asking them how things are going
- Making sure children know what they should do if they are bullied or witness bullying
Overall, promoting a positive school culture and fostering inclusivity is crucial.
Cyberbullying Policies
Cyberbullying can happen anywhere at any time. Schools cannot monitor a student’s online use when using personal devices. However, an anti-bullying policy in schools can educate children and teachers about cyberbullying and work to prevent it. Providing support resources for victims of cyberbullying is recommended.
Involvement of Parents and Guardians
Engaging parents and guardians on every level can help to naturally reduce incidents of bullying on campus. Make sure parents feel welcome at school and involve them in anti-bullying efforts.
Parents may look to get involved and help build a positive school climate through volunteerism or spearheading anti-bullying events.
Periodic Policy Review and Updates
Anti-bullying policies in school cannot remain effective if they are not reviewed and updated periodically. Review policies on the same schedule as HR policies, typically annually. Also, review anti-bullying policies as laws change and after any bullying investigation. Seek input from staff, students, and parents when updating policies.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
All 50 U.S. states have anti-bullying laws in place. School administrators should check with state regulations to ensure their anti-bullying policies are in compliance with state laws.
Collaboration With External Organizations
Collaborating with community organizations and mental health professionals can help schools tap into external expertise for further policy development and training. Taking part in anti-bullying campaigns and initiatives can also enhance awareness.
You Can Help End Bullying
Comprehensive anti-bullying policies in schools are integral to fostering a safe and inclusive school environment.
At Rachel’s Challenge, our mission is to create change. To learn more about addressing bullying in your area, book an event, or contact us to take action and donate today.
