Bullying

Bullying appears to be an increasing problem in our schools. Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior that can be physical, emotional, and/or verbal. It can be done by individuals or groups. Whatever the form, bullying has many adverse effects on its victim. Here are some signs that a student in your class may be experiencing bullying:

• Books and other school materials appear damaged
• Has few or no friends in class
• Has lost interest in school
• Quality of schoolwork work is deteriorating
• Appears to be depressed or moody
• Complains of headaches or stomach aches

An effective way to prevent bullying is to have a clear anti-bullying policy that contains these features:

• A statement of your school’s policy regarding bullying
• A definition of bullying with examples
• A statement of the rights of all students in your class
• A statement of the responsibilities of students who see another student being bullied
• A statement of the consequences of bullying another student