How to Address Bullying: Assessing the Next Steps
Depending on the outcomes so far, you should use the following guidelines:
Un-Happy
Reflect back on your 1st and 2nd discussions with the teacher. Use this information to write a letter to the principal outlining the situation. Make sure you are calm and not insultive to the school or the teacher. Ask for an appointment to discuss the situation further.
Discuss all options for your child and the responsibilities of the school with the principal. Continue working with the principal and teacher until the school develops strategies to assist your child.
Happy
Keep in contact with the teacher to closely monitor the situation. Keep supporting your child to use proactive and reactive strategies where needed.
In the case where the situation does not improve or becomes worse, seek further help from the school and/or other professionals. In the case where the situation improves, continue monitoring child’s behaviour and reports of bullying.
Recommended Readings
Borba, M. (nd). Bully-proofing our kids. Available [on-line]: www.micheleborba.com
Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System. (1996). Bullying: Information for parents and teachers. Available [on-line]: www.lfcc.on.ca/bully.htm
Lawson, S. (1995). Helping children cope with bullying. London: Sheldon Press
Lee, C. (2004). Preventing bullying in schools. London: Paul Chapman Publishing
Rigby, K. (2000). Bullying in school and what to do about it. Camberwell: Australian Council for Educational Research Ltd
Sullivan, K. (2000). The anti-bullying handbook. Auckland: Oxford University Press
University of South Australia. (nd). Does bullying really do children any harm? Available:www.education.unisa.edu.au/bullying