Bullying has become a crisis that threatens the wellbeing of students in schools today. The widespread use of social media and technology has enabled new forms of bullying that students can't escape, even at home. The trauma caused by bullying, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts, can have lifelong consequences (Hinduja & Patchin, 2019). It's time for schools to make tackling bullying a top priority through a coordinated prevention and intervention effort.
School counselors must lead the charge against bullying. Here are some steps that counselors and schools can take:
1. Assess the scope of the problem.
The first step is evaluating the nature and prevalence of bullying in the school. Conduct an anonymous student survey to understand what types of bullying are most common and where and when they tend to happen. Survey both students and parents to identify areas of concern (Cornell & Limber, 2015). Use the data to determine priorities and shape solutions
2. Establish a bullying prevention team.
Creating a dedicated team focused on bullying prevention shows students and parents that this issue is a priority (Davis & Nixon, 2014). The team should include counselors, teachers, administrators, parents, and students. Charge the team with evaluating current policies, raising awareness, recommending changes, and coordinating prevention and intervention initiatives. Give the team the resources and authority to make a real impact.
3. Revise policies and procedures.
Examine the school's anti-bullying policies and procedures to ensure they are comprehensive, consistent, and effectively enforced (Smith et al., 2008). Policies should include clear definitions of bullying with examples, reporting procedures, investigation steps, and consequences. Staff, students, and parents should all receive education on updated policies.
4. Provide training and education.
Training for staff, students, and parents is essential to tackling bullying (Bradshaw, 2015). Staff training should focus on identifying signs of bullying, appropriate responses, and sensitivity towards vulnerable students. Student education should teach about types of bullying, their impacts, how to report bullying, and how to respond assertively to bullies. Educate parents on signs to look for in their child and how to support students who are victims of bullying.
5. Promote a Kindness Campaign
A school-wide kindness campaign can help shift culture and behavior (Binfet, 2019). Hold events like assemblies, group activities, and community service projects that promote inclusion, acceptance, and kindness towards others. Publicly recognize students and staff who model compassion. Over time, promoting kindness and positivity can become deeply ingrained in the school environment.
6. Offer counseling and support.
Bullying has deep and long-lasting impacts, so counseling and mental health support must be available for victims. But it's also important to provide counseling for students who bully to help address underlying issues, build empathy, and learn better ways to interact with peers (Rivara et al., 2007). Support groups and counseling should also extend to bystanders and parents. A commitment to mental health is vital.
Through a coordinated whole-school effort focused on prevention, intervention, and mental health, schools can rise to the challenge of tackling bullying. But counselors must lead the way in driving change and making anti-bullying initiatives a top priority to create safe and supportive learning environments for students to thrive. Collectively, we have the power to end bullying. But the time for action is now.
About the Author:
Dana Koptleuova (she/her) is an ambassador at Neolth and is currently in her junior year of high school in Kazakhstan. She is passionate about raising awareness about mental health and promoting well-being in her community. Through her work at Neolth, she hopes to help others find the resources and support they need to prioritize their mental health. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and exploring new places. She dreams of one day writing her book.
