Bullying — Not Just a Kid Thing

Author: Cooper, D., Snell, J.L.
Publisher: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Publication Date: 2003, March
Journal: Educational Leadership
Journal Volume: 60(6)
Pages: 22-25
Available for purchase online at: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/mar03/vol60/num06/abstract.aspx#Bullying%e2%80%94Not_Just_a_Kid_Thing

Abstract (written by WestEd)

Cooper and Smith dispel five myths about bullying and outline a prevention program that must include all staff, parents, students, and the community.

Contrary to what many people believe, it can be difficult to distinguish bullying from rough play, and bullying includes verbal or group exclusion; it involves girls as well as boys; there are many more victims than it often appears, and all those who observe the bullying feel an unsafe environment; adults do not see much of the bullying that occurs, and many students do not report it when it happens; and students must be taught the difference between tattling (trying to get someone in trouble) and reporting (keeping someone safe).

School staff need a written discipline policy that they then uniformly enforce. This policy should:

• declare the school's commitment to a safe, caring, and respectful learning environment;
  
• clearly define bullying with examples;
  
• state consequences of bullying; and
  
• provide a framework for recognizing and responding to bullying.
  

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