Early Intervention is Crucial in Schools to Combat Bullying - Nip it in the Bud Before It Spreads
Brock University's Child and Youth Studies Professor, Tony Volk, is shedding light on the issue of school bullying. As a member of the Brock Research on Aggression and Victimization Experiences (BRAVE) group, Volk has dedicated his research to understanding and combating bullying in schools.
Volk asserts that bullying often starts within the first few weeks of the school year and can persist into the new academic year. He believes that great leaders of the 20th century were both powerful and kind, and he encourages educating youth in schools to foster kindness in the next generation.
In his advice to parents, Volk urges frequent conversations around bullying. He suggests looking for signs of discomfort in children, such as not wanting to go to school or not feeling well, as potential indicators of bullying. For parents suspecting their child may be bullying others, Volk recommends appealing to their desires for power and popularity while showing that kindness is more effective.
For victims of bullying, Volk advises seeking support from a trusted teacher, parent, or classmate as soon as possible. He also suggests removing oneself from spaces where one may encounter their bully, and taking courses at different times throughout the year to avoid run-ins in the halls.
Volk states that bullies bully for popularity and reputation, especially at the start of the school year. He emphasises that fighting back is not considered the best approach, as it can make the situation worse. Instead, he encourages finding a group to connect with, whether online, an in-person club, or an extracurricular group, as a way to create a circle of support.
In light of an uptick in violence in Ontario schools, Volk believes that dedicating resources to anti-bullying behaviours is crucial. He also highlights that data collected by his team shows that the increase in bullying isn't universal, suggesting that some school boards are able to buck this trend with the right focus and resources.
Volk also stresses that September is an important time for educators to make statements and enact policies to prevent bullying. He notes that bullying can be impersonal, with the target often not mattering to the bully.
Despite the prevalence of bullying, Volk advises victims not to blame themselves for being targeted. He encourages a proactive approach to addressing bullying, with early and frequent conversations between parents, teachers, and students playing a key role in creating a safer and more inclusive school environment.
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