Bully Behavior
With spring upon us and energy in the air, we are reminding children how to recognize bully-like behavior in their own actions and the actions of others. We all make mistake each day and our goal is to learn from our actions and the actions of others. If behavior is repeated and it makes a person feel hurt, scared or embarrassed, then a cycle of bullying is occurring and needs to be stopped.
In grades k-3 we help the children recognize three types of bully-like behavior:
1. verbal
2. physical
3. emotional
In grades 4 and 5 our students are also taught about cyber and gender bullying in addition to the list above.
We have discussed the places kids most often observe this kind of bully behavior. The kids agree that it is exhibited when an adult is not present in their immediate space, such as recess, on the bus and in the cafeteria.
To address this kind of behavior we have taught the kids the acronym "SIR":
S - Stand up for yourself or others using your words.
I - Invite yourself or others to safety when you observe this kind of behavior.
R - Report your observations to an adult.
As a kid, I recall playing at recess far away from the teacher. At times, the behavior of others would go awry. When I moved closer to the teacher, everyone would begin to mind their "p" and "q's." I had just invited myself to safety.
During our discussions, students suggested they could sit next to someone to create a safe zone or invite others to come to their space to play or sit. This action lets others know the bully like behavior will not be tolerated.
As stated, everyone makes mistakes. Bully behavior occurs when a person is caught in a cycle that makes another person feel hurt, scared or embarrassed. The most power in these settings lies with the observer. If observers permit bully behavior to occur, it is not okay. We want our children to be able to read each others' body language and know when behavior is hurting another. All children need to recognize when their behavior (or the behavior of others) is harmful.
In grades k-3 we help the children recognize three types of bully-like behavior:
1. verbal
2. physical
3. emotional
In grades 4 and 5 our students are also taught about cyber and gender bullying in addition to the list above.
We have discussed the places kids most often observe this kind of bully behavior. The kids agree that it is exhibited when an adult is not present in their immediate space, such as recess, on the bus and in the cafeteria.
To address this kind of behavior we have taught the kids the acronym "SIR":
S - Stand up for yourself or others using your words.
I - Invite yourself or others to safety when you observe this kind of behavior.
R - Report your observations to an adult.
As a kid, I recall playing at recess far away from the teacher. At times, the behavior of others would go awry. When I moved closer to the teacher, everyone would begin to mind their "p" and "q's." I had just invited myself to safety.
During our discussions, students suggested they could sit next to someone to create a safe zone or invite others to come to their space to play or sit. This action lets others know the bully like behavior will not be tolerated.
As stated, everyone makes mistakes. Bully behavior occurs when a person is caught in a cycle that makes another person feel hurt, scared or embarrassed. The most power in these settings lies with the observer. If observers permit bully behavior to occur, it is not okay. We want our children to be able to read each others' body language and know when behavior is hurting another. All children need to recognize when their behavior (or the behavior of others) is harmful.
