Did you know that bullying continues to be an epidemic? When upwards of 160,000 students in the US stay home every day because of bullying, somewhere, somehow, we as educators are not getting it right! We have not missed the boat, we have watched it sail into the sunset a long time ago! As an educator, when you feign ignorance (“I didn’t know it was happening!”), do not want to get involved, participate in the bullying whether intentionally or not, then yes, you are part of the problem! When you minimize bullying, show favoritism, engage in unequal treatment, then yes, you are part of the problem! When you model negative behaviors (public shaming, etc.), engage in unconscious bias, and do not address root causes… yes, you are part of the problem! When you lack clear boundaries and engage in inconsistent discipline in your classroom and outside your classroom, then yes, you are part of the problem! But, there is some good news! Instead of being part of the problem, you can be part of the solution! How you might ask? By BANing!
Becoming Aware Now
Awareness is the first and most crucial step in preventing and addressing bullying. The problem with awareness is that educators don’t always see the bullying happening. Especially since much of it occurs out of view (at recess, in the hallways, in the restrooms, during passing periods, at breakfast/lunch, online, in text messages, during unstructured times, etc.).
- Bold Action Now
You have to act! You have to respond! Your students need to see you respond immediately, forcefully, calmly, intentionally, and respectfully. How you respond can be the difference between stopping it quickly or allowing it to continue.
- Building Acceptance Now
It starts with you in your classroom! By building a classroom community and culture of acceptance. Where every student feels valued and included.
- Brave Authenticity Now
Encourage open conversations about kindness, differences, and accountability. Authenticity encourages genuineness and creates a space where everyone can show up as themselves.
- Bridging Assumptions/Attitudes Now
This is where you have to have the courage to take the necessary steps to connect with your own biases. How your own assumptions, your own unconscious beliefs influence how you teach and respond. How your own attitudes impact equity and fairness in your classroom.
As educators, it is crucial for us to learn about and respond to bullying now because the landscape has changed so much! Students can be mean and vicious, and technology has given them a sense of power that they did not have in the past! No child should be afraid to go to school because of bullying. No child should be afraid to open their phone, tablet, laptop, computer because of harassing messages. Become involved! Be the solution!
SES is going to spend the month of October providing more information and resources! Do you know the signs for a child being bullied? Or for the one who is bullying? Click on this link HERE to learn more!
