No Bullying, Please!

by Mrs. Huff

What does Spanish Oaks do to curb bullying?
     Although bullying has not been a serious problem at our school, we are working to prevent any
bullying. We will conduct staff development with our school staff to help them identify and prevent bullying.
We will discuss teaching children to work out conflicts on their own. Our discussions will include teaching
children who are bystanders to be responsible and to intervene to stop social cruelty. The bystander plays a critical role in breaking the bullying cycle. We will talk with students openly about the four reasons kids give for not taking a stand against bullying:
• fear of getting hurt;
• fear of becoming a new target for the bully;
• fear of making the situation worse; and
• not knowing what to do
     A great article on bullying suggests, “talked about openly, these four reasons for remaining on the
sidelines can be starting points for convincing bystanders to accept responsibility for recognizing bullying,
refusing to be part of it, responding effectively, and reporting it to proper authorities” (Coloroso, 2004).
     The article goes on to explain that research has shown that students who speak out in behalf of a bullied
child often have conflicting feelings. They want to help, but are sometimes afraid to stand up to the bully. It is important to help children understand that these feelings are normal, and to reaffirm the courage it takes to step in and help another child who is being bullied. Kids can be a potent force against bullying because much of what happens occurs “under the radar” of adult supervision. When the majority stands up against the cruel acts of the minority, bullying is effectively challenged.

     But kids can’t stop bullying alone. They need the help of adults at home, at school, and in the
community who are committed to stopping bullying. At school we will implement a bullying rubric which
specifies the consequences for a child who exhibits bullying behaviors. All adults at our school will remain
vigilant in our student supervision, to keep children safe and to stop bullying.
We appreciate the support of parents in talking with your child about bullying, the role of the bystander,
and the bullying discipline rubric below.

“In the end, we remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Coloroso, Barbara, “Changing the Role of the Bystander,” Leadership Compass, Winter 2004-05 Volume 2, Number 2 (a
publication of the National Association of Elementary School Principals).