Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/879719
28 ADVOCATE | FALL 2017 Bullying Prevention Here are some steps you can take to respond to incidents of hateful words, actions, and images and make sure your students feel welcome, supported and valued. Be present and available to observe and listen. Bullying occurs during the school day and after school hours. It happens in the school building, in classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, and in the cafeteria; on the playground; and on the bus or bus stop. Be present during school transitions. Ask students how they are feeling. Tell your students they can come to you, that they are safe with you, that you will stand up for them! Intervene! Make sure all are safe. If you witness bullying, racist slurs or name calling, stop the incident immediately. Separate the student/s doing the bullying and their target. Get assistance from other school staff members if necessary. Make sure to ask the targeted student/s, "Are you okay?" Give a clear message. Bullying, hate and racism are unacceptable. Remain calm as you address the students. Cite relevant school or classroom rules (e.g., "Name calling and not respecting others are both against the rules in our school.") Students who bully or commit acts of hate must hear the message that their behavior is wrong and harms others. Targeted students must hear the message that caring adults will protect them. Follow up after the incident. This should be handled one on one, after the incident. Do not require students to apologize or make amends immediately when you stop the incident. You may not know the full story. Keep everyone calm as you first focus on safety. Then advise all that you will follow up. Support the targeted students. Make eye contact with the targeted student/s, demonstrate empathy, and reassure them that what happened was not their fault. Never tell a student to ignore bullying, hate speech or a racist attack. Address the bystanders. If the bystanders did stand-up, reinforce their efforts. Let the bystanders know that you admire their courage and thank them for speaking up, which helps them and other students. If the bystanders did not intervene, give them examples of how to intervene appropriately the next time (e.g., get help from an adult, tell the person to stop). Investigate, document and follow up. After a bullying incident, an investigation should be conducted. Remember to question all those involved individually. If appropriate, impose immediate consequences for the student/s doing the bullying. Be sure to provide the necessary support for those who bully, such as counseling. Join with your colleagues to assess ways to improve your school climate as a way to build a culture that prevents bullying issues in the future. Be a caring advocate. Continue to make sure students are supported well beyond the incident. Make sure they have the resources they need. Reach out to other staff members who can provide guidance and emotional support. Advocate for students by making a concerted effort to stop racism, hate and bullying at your school. Involve parents and the local community. It is our duty as educators to assure a safe learning environment and social justice for all students. Find more in-depth tools, resources and guides for your school at educationvotes.nea.org/ unite-against-hate. October is Bullying Prevention Month