Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Bullying, as defined by stopbullying.gov, is “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.” This definition highlights key aspects: the intentional nature of the harm (“unwanted, aggressive”), the context (“school-aged children”), the core dynamic (“power imbalance”), and its recurring nature (“repeated, or has the potential to be repeated”).

My role in helping to prevent bullying with the children I work with is multifaceted and proactive. First and foremost, I aim to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where every child feels valued and secure. This involves establishing clear rules and expectations about kindness and empathy, and consistently reinforcing positive social behaviors. I also see myself as a model of respectful interaction, demonstrating how to communicate kindly, resolve conflicts peacefully, and advocate for oneself and others.

Beyond creating a positive atmosphere, my role includes:

• Educating Children: Teaching children what bullying is, the different forms it can take (physical, verbal, social, cyber), and its impact on others. This empowers them to identify bullying and understand why it’s harmful.
• Developing Empathy: Creating opportunities for children to understand and share the feelings of others. This is crucial for building compassion and discouraging aggressive behavior.
• Teaching Social-Emotional Skills: Equipping children with conflict resolution strategies, assertive communication techniques, and emotional regulation skills, so they can navigate social challenges constructively.
• Active Supervision and Intervention: Being vigilant and intervening promptly and appropriately when bullying occurs. This sends a clear message that bullying is not tolerated and protects the victim.
• Collaborating with Families: Working with parents and guardians to ensure a consistent message and approach to bullying prevention, and to provide support for children involved in bullying situations.