Program encourages students to report what they see
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Fort Simpson (Feb 23/01) - It's understandable that students filled with dread can be too preoccupied to concentrate on their school work.
If they are so apprehensive about what a bully might do to them when the recess bell or lunch bell rings, or when school lets out for the day, their school work will likely suffer.
Teachers at Bompas school have begun a program called "Focus on Bullying" to prevent such situations.
Since last spring they have introduced "effective behaviour supports," rewarding positive gestures and deeds such as sharing and apologizing. They are also educating children about bullying, which isn't always in the form of physical aggression. In some cases, bullying is verbal abuse, spreading rumours or socially isolating another student.
A school slogan, "Safe, Caring Team," has been in place since the beginning of the school year. A working group, comprising teachers, parents and students, is also being formed to address the issue of bullying.
At a District Education Authority (DEA) meeting earlier this month, Bompas principal Terry Jaffray told the DEA and the dozen parents in attendance that a supervision plan and a response plan will have to be formulated as well.
Students who witness bullying will be encouraged to report them because bystanders have to become responsible, Jaffray said.
"It sounds like quite a responsibility to burden children with. but we have to teach them that reporting bullying is a good thing," she said. "If we do these things on a consistent basis, we're going to shift the balance of power."
Communication with the bully and parents is another important aspect. Some parents are co-operative, but others can become defensive or simply dismiss the bullying behaviour as "kids being kids," Jaffray acknowledged. The staffs' approach is half the battle, she said.
"You don't label the kid as a bully, you talk about bullying behaviour," she said. "If it happens repeatedly then I suggest they might need some extra counselling."
