Stop Bullying Now: A Guide to Ending Bullying in Your School

School bullying is nothing new; since schools have existed, so have students who terrorize others in a multitude of ways. But dealing with bullying in schools isn't always simple; a time-out, detention or parent/teacher conference may not address underlying issues that will cause the abuse to happen again.

These Bright Hub resources are here to help you navigate the complex waters of bullying. First, learn about the different types of bullying that are happening in schools today, so that you can be aware or what may be going on in yours. Next, read about the reasons behind bullying, in order to consider your methods of addressing it. Sections for both prevention and intervention are included, for those who want to avoid problems from occurring, or for those who are currently facing bullying problems in their schools. Finally, educators who want to teach their students how to deal with bullies (and how to avoid becoming bullies) will find links to lesson plans and activity ideas.

Abuse can go beyond the classic "schoolyard bully" who harasses smaller students for lunch money. That is an example of physical bullying, but abuse can also be verbal or even relational (kids excluding others from groups). Outside of school, some students are also targeted by cyber bullies, who use technology to harass their peers. Without understanding the different ways that bullying can present itself, we can never effectively end bullying in our schools; so read about these different types and learn to identify them in your classroom. The final link will teach you more about how these types of bullying affect students.

• Understand Three Types of Bullying
• Understand Cyberbullying
• Exploring Cyber Harassment
• Know the Harms Caused by Bullying

Knowing the reasons behind bullying can help parents, teachers, counselors and administrators to prevent and manage bullying problems. The topic isn't a simple one, as people can bully (or become bullied) for many reasons, ranging from desire for attention to low self-esteem. Additionally, some students with special needs face a high risk of being caught up in the world of bullying. Use these resources to educate yourself and help your students.

• Learn about Bullying Issues for Students with Special Needs
• Learn about Bullying Issues for Gifted Students
• Deal with the "Mean Girls" pt. 1
• Deal with the "Mean Girls" pt. 2
• Learn Why Bullying Happens

Bullying is often a method students use to raise their social status or otherwise protect their reputations. In other situations, students do not understand how to socialize properly. These links can help you stop bullying before it happens by creating an environment in which students feel safe and supported. Identify antisocial behaviors that might lead to bullying down the road, and help students learn to interact positively with one another.

• Prevent Bullying in Your Classroom
• Identify and Address Antisocial Behavior
• Create an Emotionally Intelligent Classroom
• Help Students Who Are Acting Out
• Teach Parents about Teen Anger Management

What to do when bullying is already a problem in your school? The following links will show you ways in which parents and school staff can end the bullying that is happening today. Proper communication and intervention strategies can go a long way in improving student interactions.

• Develop Solid Teacher/Counselor Communication
• Learn About Aggression Problems in Pre-Schoolers
• Use Bulletin Boards to Help Students
• Report Cyberbullies and Other Cybercrime
• Solve Problems with Bullying in Your Classroom
• Help Parents Coach Kids in Conflict

Looking for lesson plans to teach your students how to avoid bullying and bullying behavior? Below our some ideas for your classroom, most of them using books or movies as anchor texts to support discussion. Whether you want to address name-calling that can escalate into hurt feelings or larger-scale harassment that can lead to trauma, these ideas can help.

• Use a Think Aloud to Talk Teach about Bullying
• Teach Pre-Schoolers about Name-Calling with Nosy Rosie
• Teach Conflict with Rikki Tivvi Tavi
• Use Bridge to Terabithia to Discuss Bullying
• Teach Internet Safety with Online Activities

As you consider this information, remember also that one teacher can't do it alone; share your research with parents, colleagues and adminstration so that acts and symptoms of bullying do not go unnoticed or unsolved. While a single teacher can help keep his own classroom safe, it takes a larger force to deal with the problem at the school or district level.

Bullying is a serious issue facing today's students, but it doesn't need to be. Use these resources to create the best environment possible for your students to learn and grow!