school bullying vodcast one: the nature of bullying and how schools can respond developed for dr ken...
TRANSCRIPT
School Bullying
Vodcast One:
The nature of bullying and
how schools can respond
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Dr Ken RigbyConsultant
School bullying: the evidence
Contrary to some alarmist views in many countries the level of bullying in schools has been gradually declining (Molcho et al, 2009)
Numerous evaluative studies have shown that some intervention programs have reduced bullying - by varying amounts (Smith et al, 2004)
However, the level is still seriously high. In a large scale
Australian survey published in 2009 by Cross et al, it was estimated that 1 in 4 students reported being bullied during the previous few weeks.
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Elements of bullying
A desire to dominate or hurt someone Action by the perpetrator(s) that is unfair
Occurring in a situation in which there is an imbalance of power
The target cannot provide an adequate defence
Typically the bullying actions are repeated
To produce a sense in the target of being oppressed and humiliated
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Direct Indirect
Verbal Insulting languageName callingRidiculeCruel teasing or taunting
Persuading another person to verbally abuse
someoneSpreading malicious rumoursAnonymous phone callsOffensive text messages and emails, putting
demeaning content on websites
Physical Striking, kickingThrowing objectsHappy slappingUsing weapons
Deliberately and unfairly excluding someone
(also verbal) Happy slappingRemoving and hiding things
Gestural Threatening gesturesStaring at someone
Repeatedly turning away
A further classification notes the motives of the perpetrator, e.g. driven by ethnic prejudice, homophobia or more simply dislike of person’s appearance or behaviour.
Modes of bullying
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What is needed before you can respond to bullying at your school?
Evidence of bullying– The prevalence– The kinds of bullying
Among whom it is happening– In what years or classes– In what areas at the school
How students are feeling about it– Those who are being victimised– Other students
An anti-bullying policy – Based upon an understanding of the situation at your school
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The anti-bullying policy
Broadly, policy to counter bullying in Education Queensland comes under the heading of a Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students
Catholic and Independent schools should refer to their sector and school policies
However, Queensland education sectors - like many other educational authorities around the world - have recognised there is something distinctive about bullying behaviour and this justifies the development and implementation of an explicit anti-bullying policy
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It is a sub-set of aggressive behaviours resulting in some individuals being repeatedly and unfairly hurt by students who are more powerful than they are
The effects of such behaviour are now recognised as extremely
serious and often long lasting
What is distinctive about bullying?
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Four purposes of the anti-bullying policy
1. To declare the school’s intention to address bullying
2. To explain why the school is doing so
3. To provide an outline in general terms about how the school is tackling the problem
4. To inform all members of the school community: teachers, students and parents about what the school is committed to doing
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Suggested elements of an anti-bullying policy
1. A strong statement about the unacceptability of bullying at school and a resolve to prevent it from happening
2. A clear definition of bullying and what it can involve
3. An assertion of the rights of members of the school community NOT to be subjected to bullying and an acceptance of responsibility to deal with it as best we can
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Policy suggestions continued
4. A list of things the school has agreed to do to prevent bullying:
Provide good surveillance of student behaviour Discuss with students issues relating to bullying Help students to develop attitudes and values that will
guide them toward relating positively with others - and skills to help themselves - and others - when bullying occurs
5. A general description of what the school will do when cases of bullying arise
6. A resolution to revisit the policy and revise it (if necessary) in the light of evidence every few years
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Some suggested questions for discussion
What forms of bullying occur most often at your school and what effects have you noticed among those who have been targeted?
Consider your school’s anti-bullying policy in the light of the suggestions made in this video about possible content. Which suggestions may be helpful?
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