CyberWise: How to Deal With Bullying in Schools

Bullying is a challenging phenomenon that makes school life very difficult for children who experience it. Many teachers find themselves pushing back against bullying in schools in an attempt to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for students. Bullying is a form of intentional harassment and antagonistic behavior perpetrated by one student against another. It can take many forms, from verbal insults to deliberate exclusion to physical violence. According to federal statistics, around one in five students between the ages of 12 and 18 experience bullying at school. Bullying is a severe problem that can have a profoundly negative effect on students’ psychological well-being. Fortunately, there are many ways that teachers can take action to help reduce instances of bullying and to help students form healthier, more positive relationships with one another. Getting educated about the impacts and causes of bullying, providing support to students, and teaching respectful conflict-resolution strategies can all be helpful.