Bullying is an issue in all schools. We’d like to think that bullying wouldn’t happen at a Christian school; however, we know that sin affects us all. Bullying can negatively affect a child’s emotional, spiritual, and academic development. Therefore, it’s important schools and parents work together to prevent and stop bullying.
What Are We Doing?
Here are some of the ways we are addressing bullying at Apostles:
- We emphasize Jesus as a model for Christian living.
- We discuss the loving treatment of others in our Word of God classes, daily devotions, and prayer times.
- We celebrate students who model Christian living.
- I have a personal safety class with all our students at the beginning of the year in which I define the types of bullying as well as how students can react, prevent, and report bullying.
- Our teachers remain vigilant to prevent, stop, and react to any bullying issues of which we’re aware.
What Can Parents Do?
These tips were adapted from an article posted on edutopia.com.
- Talk with and Listen to Your Children Everyday – Ask questions about their school day, including experiences on the way to and from school, lunch, and recess. Ask about their peers. Children who feel comfortable talking to their parents about these matters before they are involved in bullying are more likely to get them involved after.
- Spend time at School - Volunteer to assist the teacher in and out of the classroom.
- Be a Good Example – When you get angry at waiters, other drivers or others, model effective communication techniques. As Education.com puts it, “Any time you speak to another person in a mean or abusive way, you’re teaching your child that bullying is ok.”
- Create Healthy Anti-Bullying Habits – Starting as young as possible, coach your children on both what not to do (push, tease, and be mean to others) as well as what to do (be kind, empathize, and take turns). Also coach your child on what to do if someone is mean to him or to another (get an adult, tell the bully to stop, walk away and ignore the bully).
- Make Sure Your Child Understands Bullying – Explicitly explain what it is and that it’s not normal or tolerable for them to bully, be bullied, or stand by and watch other kids be bullied.
(These tips were adapted from materials by the National PTA and Education.com.)
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