5 top tips to prevent bullying in your classroom
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Every teacher strives to create a classroom environment in
which all pupils feel comfortable and safe, but unfortunately it isn’t always
possible. Bullying often goes unseen by many and can be a tough thing to spot for
teachers, which is partly why the theme of Anti-Bullying Week – taking place
from 14-18 November in 2022 – focuses on reaching out.
The initiative across England and Wales from the
Anti-Bullying Alliance was marked in four out of every five schools last year.
It provides an opportunity for teachers and pupils alike to speak out and
support each other when it comes to tackling bullying in and out of the
classroom. The week also provides teachers with an opportunity for reflection,
as they can ensure they are setting a good example to their pupils.
Here we delve into ways that teaching staff can foster a
positive classroom environment that is built on respect, and where youngsters feel
empowered to act when they are impacted by bullying.
Set your stall out early
In order to create a respectful environment in which all
pupils can thrive, it’s important to have a clear set of rules from the outset.
Discuss your expectations with any new class and make sure they are clearly
communicated on posters around the room. Look to use informative, positive language
and make sure that all pupils recognise the need to respect each other.
Make sure to enforce the rules
Pupils must know that a teacher is prepared to enforce the
rules, and that means acting whenever someone raises a concern. Look to address
pupils individually when they have done wrong too – this removes them from the
limelight and limits the attention they may crave as a result of their actions.
All youngsters need to know that they will be dealt with accordingly if they misbehave.
Encourage positive actions and kindness
Teachers can have a positive impact by recognising positive
behaviour too, both in and out of the classroom. Take time to talk about good
deeds and actions which have helped others, as it can help to create an
environment where pupils will look out for each other. Encourage random actions
of kindness and you may even want to generate some healthy competition by
splitting the class into teams and recording their acts on a wallchart, with
the winners getting some sort of reward.
Talk about bullying regularly
By talking about bullying and its impacts, teachers can help
youngsters to develop empathy and understanding. Use your school guidelines as
a starting point for the conversation, and then look to build on it with other
rules as necessary. Teachers can also use Anti-Bullying Week as an opportunity
to start discussions. More information on the theme for this year’s
anti-bullying week can be found on the ABA
website, while there are also a range of school
resources for teachers to download.
Make sure pupils know your door is always open
Pupils should always feel that they can approach a teacher
if they are being bullied or are having a tough time, so it’s important to
remind them that you are there to listen to any concerns. Encourage your class
to speak to you before or after school, or during lunch – make it clear that
major issues can be dealt with at any time of day.
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