Teach100 Mentor: On Bullying
Today, you don’t have to search very far to see bullying occur. Whether in the news, social media, professional settings or in a school environment, bullying has become more common in all areas of society. By definition, bullying is the unwanted, aggressive form of behaviors and threats to intimidate others repeatedly. Bullying has always existed in school environments among children. However, now more than ever is bullying prevalent and a growing issue educators and teachers are looking to improve.
According to Stomp Out Bullying, one out of five children admits to being a bullying at some point today. In an era of instant communication, bullying is an issue that has gone far beyond the classroom and playground. Factors such as family environment, technology, and social issues all greatly influence bullying and hostile interactions among students.
We asked Teach100 Mentors about their experiences with bullying and here's what they told us:
Melanie Taylor, Mzteachuh
Encounters Bullying Incidents: Regularly
- Physical bullying: Once or twice a month
- Cyber bullying: Once or twice a month
- Social bullying: Once a week
- Verbal bullying: Daily
"I have intervened in student bullying and observed bullying of colleagues."
Which forces outside the classroom do you think most trigger bullying?
Technology and social media. "The ease of bullying to a large audience and the ease of continuation of bullying makes it very effective."
Have you ever encountered bullying involving race or religion? How do you handle it?
Yes. "Depending on the age of the students, I would inform them of individual rights and the fact that hate speech is a crime, and everyone is protected by the constitution to enjoy safety and a daily opportunity to learn in a peaceful environment."
What's the most effective way for teachers to create an anti-bullying environment in their classrooms?
Create an anti-bullying campaign at your school. "Frequently remind your students of the disciplinary consequences of bullying. It takes time for students to grow into empathy."
Has the issue of bullying has changed since you began your career in education?
Yes. "Due to the ease of cyber bullying and the loss of rhetorical restraint, it is open season on every type of comment."
Starr Sackstein, Work in Progress
Encounters Bullying Incidents: Several times over the years
- Physical bullying: Not very often
- Cyber bullying: Once or twice a month
- Social bullying: Once or twice a month
- Verbal bullying: Once or twice a month
"I've most recently experienced this as a parent, not as a teacher, as my son is bullied at school. He has been verbally assaulted and made fun for everything from his weight to his intelligence. Children are cruel and say mean things. Sometimes my son doesn't want to go to school. Most recently, it got physical. I've met with the principal of my son's school and although the attitude for handling it is correct, he still gets bullied."
Which forces outside the classroom do you think most trigger bullying?
Technology and social media. "There is a level of anonymity that can be used on social media that makes it all too easy for children to be mean. We need to teach them to use these forums for good, not cruelty."
The most effective way for teachers to create an anti-bullying environment in their classrooms:
Being an example for students yourself.
Has bullying has changed since you began your career in education?
Yes. "Students are more comfortable with themselves and more open about how they feel and who they are... other children who come from families where otherness is not understood or accepted don't know how to handle this."
Jennifer Hitchcock, The Government Guru
Encounters Bullying Incidents: Regularly
- Physical bullying: Once or twice a month
- Cyber bullying: Once or twice a month
- Verbal bullying: Once or twice a month
- Social bullying: Once or twice a month
"Gender, race, political."
Which forces outside the classroom do you think most trigger bullying?
Technology and social media. "It is so easy for students to find each other online and bully out of the sight of teachers, coaches, and most importantly parents."
Have you ever encountered bullying involving race or religion? How do you handle it?
Yes. "Trying to minimize threats immediately, establish a safe space and over time with on conflict resolution."
What's the most effective way for teachers to create an anti-bullying environment in their classrooms?
Having open-minded classroom discussions.
Has bullying has changed since you began your career in education?
Yes. "Technology makes it easier, and adults don't always model great behavior either."
Ridvan, English In Life
Encounters Bullying Incidents: Several times over the years
Which forces outside the classroom do you think most trigger bullying?
Family environment. "Family members are the most important models. When they usually encounter it in their family, it becomes a way to express their feelings."
Have you ever encountered bullying involving race or religion? How do you handle it?
It hasn't happened in my classes. "There was a Kurdish girl whom the other kids bothered all the time. It didn't help talk to children since some of the teachers' and their parents' reaction and to Kurdish people were supporting them."
What's the most effective way for teachers to create an anti-bullying environment in their classrooms?
Emphasizing self-acceptance and positivity in the classroom. "I want to believe that students can understand how harmful it is when they are taught it via different ways such as creative drama or storytelling."
Has bullying has changed since you began your career in education?
Yes. "It is increasing day by day."
Todd Bloch, Sweat to Inspire
Encounters Bullying Incidents: Several times over the years
- Social bullying: Not very often
- Physical bullying: Not very often
- Cyber bullying: Once or twice a month
- Verbal bullying: Once or twice a month
Which forces outside the classroom do you think most trigger bullying?
Family environment. "Family environments influence how students react to all situations."
What's the most effective way for teachers to create an anti-bullying environment in their classrooms?
Emphasize self-acceptance and positivity in the classroom. "By modeling self-acceptance and positivity in the classroom teachers create an atmosphere that is positive. Students see that bullying has little impact in this space."
Has bullying has changed since you began your career in education?
Bullying has become more prevalent in our society. "Students see it modeled by adults behaving badly every day. We lack the role models we used to have twenty or thirty years ago."
Kristen Beck, teachteKBeck
Encounters Bullying Incidents: Several times over the years
- Physical bullying: Once or twice a month
- Cyber bullying: Once or twice a month
- Social bullying: Once or twice a month
- Verbal bullying: Once or twice a month
"Cyber bullying and meanness to students who are different."
Which forces outside the classroom do you think most trigger bullying?
Family Environment. "The family discusses news and politics."
Have you ever encountered bullying involving race or religion? How do you handle it?
Yes. "I read the book One to the class"
What's the most effective way for teachers to create an anti-bullying environment in their classrooms?
Emphasizing self-acceptance and positivity in the classroom. "The classroom culture sets the tone for all interactions and learning. I spend a lot of time creating a safe empathetic classroom environment and work throughout the year to maintain it with the students' input and help."
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