Anti Bullying Policies
The severe problem of bullying is found in most schools, but particularly in middle and high schools. The children joining the schools are usually preyed upon by the older kids, who use tactics of a subtle, yet effective nature. In an effort to encourage anti bullying one council in a well-known state passed a Dignity for All Schools Act in 2004 which required the Department of Education to “establish policies and guidelines that prohibit harassment and bullying, and create a system for tracking and reporting incidents.”
The question is whether an anti bullying policy is likely to lessen bullying in schools? Optimistically, the answer is yes. However, it will mean all the educational members of staff have to remain vigilant in determining if and when students are being harassed by their peers.
Children should never be afraid to go to school, but in reality, even with the strictest policies in play, the lack of security in most schools means that bullying incidents are sure to take place. However, setting up anti bullying policies can discourage bullying activities occurring on a day to day basis.
The first Friday of each new school year is chosen to be the day of initiation for 5th graders in some middle schools. The older students harass the youngsters and steal their jackets and coats from them. The administration of the school notifies parents not to let their children wear expensive clothing, but for those who either take no heed of the warning or maybe did not receive the message, their kids become this year’s victims of malicious acts.
It is abundantly clear that anti bullying programs are essential in most, if not all of the public schools. Guidance counselors chat to students about this issue almost every day. However, the school aides are the ones who witness this behavior first hand either in the rooms where the students have their lunch or out in the school yards, and they are more aware of who the offenders are and who are the victims. Upon detection and apprehension of the offenders, suspension from school will be instant.
So what happens to the victims? Recently bullying has had extensive affects on children. They stay away from school or slip out early if they see the signs of becoming a target when leaving at the same time as everyone else. They end up being the ones who suffer, as they do not receive the education they should. Sometimes they even ask to be transferred to another school but in many cases they have no option but to remain in the school and try to avoid the bullies as best they can.
Peer pressure is more demanding than ever on children and although some anti bullying policies have been set up in certain schools, the child still need to be brave and report bullying incidents to the staff and to their parents
Anti bullying policies should be operated in all schools and should be imposed to their full extent. Unfortunately, even though there are administrators who are eagerly aware of the problems in their establishment, there are still those who choose to ignore the bullying. The Parents Association, now enthusiastically involved in schools can help by talking to parents in order for them to be more a part of their children’s education and aware of signs of their child either being bullied or being a bully. The policy can only be successful if everyone is prepared to do their bit to make it work.
