Counseling Interventions For School Bullying
- A code of conduct that states clear principles of behavior is an effective way to prevent or reduce bullying. The code needs to be embraced by the entire school community including parents and staff. It should emphasize caring, fairness and respect while clearly stating specific consequences for violations. The language needs to be modified according to the grade level and primary language. In order to make the code of conduct a priority, it can be hung throughout the schools in highly visible areas, in the school handbook and on the school website. Students will feel a sense of camaraderie and make efforts to reduce cruel behavior rather than ignore it.
- When students feel a sense of responsibility they are empowered in positive ways. Provide opportunities for students to discuss and contribute to the code of conduct and the consequences. They can design posters and decide where it will be displayed in the classrooms and the hallways. When students are empowered, and feel a sense of ownership, it increases the chance they will buy into the code and keep each other in line. When bullying is not tolerable by enough students it is less apt to occur.
- Proactive strategies used to prevent bullying need to be taught. You can complete a needs assessment to determine what skills require teaching. For instance, if half the students believe that chastising a student about a grade is acceptable and happens to everyone, they need to be taught otherwise --- that it's cruel and unacceptable. Training for teachers is necessary to show how to embed the code of conduct into the curriculum and lessons. Parents need to be on board. Meetings can evoke community understanding regarding bullying. If a student is bullied at home by a sibling or even a parent, he is more likely to bully a classmate.
- When bullying occurs, mediation works best. A mediator can meet with both the victim and the bully individually and gather feedback from each, along with reliable sources that may have witnessed bullying behaviors. It's important to encourage reflection and critical thinking in the discussion using an objective professional who can facilitate the discussion. On the contrary, if the bully is punished with suspension without a chance to make amends, the chances of him bullying again is greater. On the other hand, when a bully and his victim confront each other in a face-to-face open discussion there is a greater likelihood of stopping the bullying behavior and promoting a positive climate that offers alternatives and closure.