Bullying Behavior in the Classroom
Tips and Techniques On How To Deal With Bullies
"What is Bullying/" Lesson Plan
The teacher should focus first on the general concept of what is bullying with a special emphasis on a general overview on bullying behavior including the different types of bullying that can occur. Students should also be taught how to identify bullying behavior, and finally they should be given practical hands-on tips and techniques how to deal with bullies should they find themselves in a situation where they need to take action almost immediately.
Types of Bullying Behavior
Bullies are very aggressive and angry individuals. Anger can quickly trigger other bullies to act almost impulsively. It’s easy for the student victim to respond from anger as well. Many bullies themselves have been rejected by peers, some from a very young age. Others have been physically assaulted by another child whereby another child pushed or hit them. But there are ways of dealing with bullying behavior in schools. Students do not need to feel they are the victims. The teacher must give the children appropriate tools for how to deal with bullying behavior.
How to Deal with Bullies
Anger can be used positively. If children feel angry that a classmate at school is being bullied, you as their teacher, can help them think of a positive action in response to their anger, such as telling any teacher about the situation.
Anti-Bullying Lesson Ideas for Middle and High School Students
There are long terms benefits of planning lessons that deal with effective anger management against bullying. Use media (television shows, news, etc.) to discuss appropriate/inappropriate and safe/unsafe reactions to anger. (link to previous article on bullying) This is usually better with older children, as some news may not be appropriate for younger children.
- Present circumstances to children before they happen so they can be prepared to respond in a positive manner.
- In general, teach children about anger when they are able to understand. You can avoid having to break negative habits by teaching positive ones.
- Teach children how to talk about their anger by giving them words so they can express themselves in a non-aggressive manner.
- Together with the children, brainstorm how anger helps achieve a goal. Practice choosing other options by pretending to be in the same situation and asking them what a responsible action would be against angry aggressive bullying behavior.
Over to you: How have you deal with bullying behavior in your classroom? Have you encountered any degree of bullying behavior? Sharing your ideas will definitely help teachers understand what other tactics are ‘out there’ for dealing with bullying behavior.
