Bullying has lasting effects on all children: those who are bullied, those who bully, even those who witness bullying. It’s a complicated problem that requires community-based solutions. That’s where the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program at our Tampa private school comes into play. This research-based program helps make school a safer, more positive place to students by reducing bullying. It’s not a curriculum but a program that deals with bullying at every level of the school.
Across the School
The bullying prevention program starts by training teachers and staff to deal with bullying problems. A schoolwide committee oversees the program, which starts with students filling out a questionnaire about the amount and types of bullying that take place. School staff watches over all the areas where bullying is likely to occur. When needed, the school holds schoolwide meetings for parents and events for parents and students.
Additionally, students agree to follow four rules:
We will not bully others.
We will help others who are bullied.
We will try to include students who are left out.
If we know someone is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.
In the Classroom
Teachers start by informing students of the four anti-bullying rules. Then, they hold class meetings for students to talk about bullying. At these meetings, students learn why bullying shouldn’t happen and how to ask an adult for help if they witness or experience bullying. Teachers use positive reinforcement to encourage students to follow the rules. When the rules are broken, students face negative consequences. By enforcing the rules, teachers work to maintain a positive learning environment for their students.
For the Students
Students who experience bullying on both sides benefit from the training school staff receives. The bullied students get support from the staff, who tell them what action will be taken to end the bullying. Students who bully others are given consequences as soon as possible, giving them the opportunity to learn from the experience. Teachers and other staff meet with both sets of parents in hopes that the bullying will not continue for either child.
Beyond the Campus
There’s not a simple solution to end bullying in schools. It takes a community of caring adults and children who know what to do when bullying happens. Beyond the walls of the school, our leadership actively looks for ways to develop partnerships with community members to help carry the anti-bullying message to everyone who needs to hear it. Reducing the effects of bullying on our school community is a top priority.
At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.
