According to research studies, bullying is among the main causes of suicide among school students. For instance, researchers reported that in 2007, approximately a third of all students aged between 12 and 18 years had experienced bullying in school. Even though bullying has been a serious problem in school, most of the bullies get away with their mistakes because victims fear to expose their actions. However, parents, teachers, and students have a role to play in the fight against bullying in school (Burroughs, 2011).
First of all, states should endorse policies that promote safe and supportive environments for students (DeNisco, 2013). This will ensure that schools safeguard students against the effects of bullying. For instance, states should pass laws requiring that schools promote diversity in every class. Such a law will prevent bullying because diversity promotes tolerance among students. Students will appreciate each other and live in harmony as opposed to victimizing each other on the basis of their differences.
Secondly, schools can address the issue of bullying by creating an open channel of communication between teachers and students. Parents can also prevent bullying by improving communication with their children (Swearer & Napolitano, 2011). Research studies reveal that most of the cases of bullying go unreported because of the fear of victimization. Open communication ensure that victims of bullying share their concerns with either the teacher or the parents. Consequently, the teacher can step in and stop the bully from victimizing other students.
Lastly, schools can introduce lessons on bullying and teachers should work with students during lessons. These lessons can involve teachers selecting students and instructing them to role play bullying situations (Rigby & Thomas, 2010). This is a highly effective approach to addressing the problem of bullying because students will understand the concept of bullying. Teachers should also post clear rules against bullying along with their punishment.
References
Burroughs, W. S. (2011). After all there are no innocent bystanders. What are they doing here in the first place? Retrieved from http://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-39-spring- 2011/feature/bully-bullied-bystanderand-beyond
DeNisco, A. (2013, December). How states are combating cyber bullying in and out of school. District Administration. Retrieved from http://www.districtadministration.com/article/how-states-are-combating-cyberbullying- and-out-school
Rigby, K. & Thomas, B. (2010). How Schools Counter Bullying: Policies and Procedures in Selected Australian Schools. New York: Aust Council for Ed Research.
Swearer, S. & Napolitano, S. (2011). Bullying Prevention and Intervention: Realistic Strategies for Schools. Chicago: Guilford Press.
