In the Raymond schools we have implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. This organization has just released a report on bullying in American schools that has some surprising information. (read more here). According to this report, bullying is most prevalent in 3rd grade- something we all need to be aware of and acknowledge as a place to start our prevention. It tapers off as students go through high school and, yet, over this last year we have heard reports of bullying on high school football teams and even in the NFL!
We also have to be careful that everything kids do isn't labeled "bullying". According to Rosalind Wiseman, author of books on bullying, "Every conflict is not bullying and if we call it that, then it loses the power of the word. Not all conflict amounts
to bullying and by overusing the word, we risk reducing the power of
the word to describe real bullying".
Wiseman "believes that, to a
certain extent, allowing boys and girls to work out their own problems
is useful training for resolving conflicts at every stage of life. The
challenge is to stay on top of what's really happening in your child's
life, particularly when kids routinely answer with an "I'm fine" -- even
if they're not."
Incidents of bullying do happen and, all of us, teachers, administrators, parents, need to be vigilant about our children and be aware of changes in behavior that may signify a problem. At all our schools, it is imperative that we monitor student behavior and report any cases of bullying. With incidents on the rise due to social media, all of us need to take a part in reporting suspected instances of bullying. We also need to allow our children the opportunity to solve problems and work out conflicts on their own. This is a fine line we all walk together to help our children navigate their way safely and responsibly to adulthood.
