Some Thoughts on Bullying in the School Setting

I think it’s stating the obvious to say that bullying is a complex problem facing schools today.  As such, complex, integrated solutions are needed.  I won’t pretend to have all the answers, but in reflecting on a recent paper that I wrote for my EDU 414 class, I do have a few ideas that I’d like to share on this sad and all too common behavior.  First, I believe that teachers need to be more alert and strive to really connect with their students.  If an educator can get a sense of a student’s personality, they can better pick up on the behavior variances that might allude to a deeper problem such as bullying.  Secondly, I think that teachers and parents should try to help victims develop the skill set needed to stand up for themselves and be strong in the face of a bully.  Also, on an administrative level, if bullying has become a problem for a school, principals should consider mandating hall monitoring between classes, as many of the bullying incidents occur during that time.  In addition, teachers covering the lunchroom should be encouraged to refrain from too much socializing with one another.  Instead, they should monitor the cafeteria carefully, “table hovering,” if needed.  Finally, many schools have cut back (or cut out entirely) the position of bus monitor.  A lot of bullying behaviors take place on the school bus, while the bus driver is busy driving, and there is no monitor available due to these budget cuts.  Reinstating bus monitors can help make a child’s ride home a safe one.