It is not appropriate for teachers to carry weapons on the campus. Bullying does not lead to life threatening situations very often. However, in cases there is a threat of brutal violence or life endangerment on campus, security and special hotlines to secure the campus should be available in classes, corridors and wherever they can be easily accessed. Bullying is a grave problem but it does not justify teachers carrying weapons. In situations where there could be minor violence the presence of a weapons such as a gun could escalate the situation. Also, there is a possibility of an accident occurring such as a gun going off when not meant to. Classrooms can have security cameras in them and panic buttons that could send for security. However, minor defense gadgets such as pepper sprays should be available to teachers to defend themselves in case they get attacked.
Communication: Parents and teachers need to have an open honest communication with students. This needs to occur frequently. Bullying by nature occurs frequently where the bullies target a student and then attack or humiliate whenever they can. If the student can communicate it to the teachers or parents, they will have a support group. Also, having cameras in schools will help in knowing if someone is being bullied. People who get caught bullying should face disciplinary committee, and a violent offense should lead to expulsion from school. Communication between parents and children also helps in curbing online bullying. If parents cannot be that ‘friendly’ with children as teenagers can be difficult, they can ensure that their child has some form of support group to communicate such issues.
Awareness: Awareness on campus that teachers and parents are united and the administration is aggressively on the hunt for bullies will deter many from bullying in the first place. Research has proven that campuses and schools where teachers communicate the expected behaviors especially regarding bullying see less bullying incidences (Buhs & De Guzman, 2007). Also, a well-managed classroom, where students feel safer and having a favorable climate see fewer incidences of bullying (Baez & Isaac, 2013). Strict and swift action that puts the bully on the pedestal and possibly expels them from school will send a message to the others as well. Regarding online bullying parents and teachers can educate children about online bullying in ways such as how to block someone on social media.
References
Baez, M. S. E., & Isaac, P. (2013). A sweetgrass method of bullying prevention for Native American youth. Journal of Indigenous Research, 3(1), 1.
Buhs, E.S., & De Guzman, M. (2007). Bullying and victimization: What adults can do to help. University of Nebraska- Lincoln Extension, Participant’s Manual, 2-6.
