Bullying is a behavior issue that teachers may encounter. Teachers should use strategies that are targeted at preventing bullying, and they should know how to address bullying when it happens. The Federal initiative, Stop Bullying, defines bullying as aggressive behavior, that is unwanted, and involving a power imbalance, which may be real or perceived (2012). An imbalance of power can be seen when a student uses their power, real or perceived, to try to control or harm others (Bullying Definition, 2012). Bullying is also characterized by the unwanted aggressive behavior being intentional, and repeated. There are three main forms that bullying takes; verbal, social, physical. Verbal bullying is when the bully says, or writes, mean things
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Studies have shown that students may bully to establish social status, get a material reward, have fun, feel a sense of security in school, conform to group norms, enact revenge, and to punish those they perceive as being deviant (Wong & Chen, 2013). One study done in Sweden documented that most cases of bullying happen as a reaction to deviance, and to gain social positioning (Thornberg, 2010). For example, students that are thought of as “different” may be the targets of bullying. A student that is overweight, or dresses differently, or does not act the way their peers think they should, could be a target of bullying. Studies have also shown that bullies may choose targets that are not likely to be defended by peers, that way they do not lose social standing or affection (Wong & Chang, …show more content…
When teachers respond quickly, and are consistent, they send the message that bullying will not be accepted (Stop Bullying, 2012). Research has shown that by making it clear bullying is an unacceptable behavior in a classroom that the bullying behavior is reduced over time (Stop Bullying, 2012). There are simple steps a teacher, or another adult, can take to intervene. First, separate the students involved and make sure everyone is safe. Then, meet any immediate medical or mental health needs. For example, if a student is crying and extremely upset take the time to help them calm down before proceeding. The teacher or adult should stay calm, and let any involved students, including bystanders, know that the situation is being handled and that you will get to the bottom of what is going on. When speaking to students the teacher must remember to always be respectful to any anyone involved (Stop Bullying,
Studies have shown that students may bully to establish social status, get a material reward, have fun, feel a sense of security in school, conform to group norms, enact revenge, and to punish those they perceive as being deviant (Wong & Chen, 2013). One study done in Sweden documented that most cases of bullying happen as a reaction to deviance, and to gain social positioning (Thornberg, 2010). For example, students that are thought of as “different” may be the targets of bullying. A student that is overweight, or dresses differently, or does not act the way their peers think they should, could be a target of bullying. Studies have also shown that bullies may choose targets that are not likely to be defended by peers, that way they do not lose social standing or affection (Wong & Chang, …show more content…
When teachers respond quickly, and are consistent, they send the message that bullying will not be accepted (Stop Bullying, 2012). Research has shown that by making it clear bullying is an unacceptable behavior in a classroom that the bullying behavior is reduced over time (Stop Bullying, 2012). There are simple steps a teacher, or another adult, can take to intervene. First, separate the students involved and make sure everyone is safe. Then, meet any immediate medical or mental health needs. For example, if a student is crying and extremely upset take the time to help them calm down before proceeding. The teacher or adult should stay calm, and let any involved students, including bystanders, know that the situation is being handled and that you will get to the bottom of what is going on. When speaking to students the teacher must remember to always be respectful to any anyone involved (Stop Bullying,