The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to establish a positive, safe environment for learning in which staff, parents, and students expect respect from one another.  

Focus on Behaviors that Replace Bullying Behaviors

Model a variety of ways of giving respect, such as complimenting the work of others, holding doors, helping each other, and speaking politely.  Affirm these behaviors often.  Build up all students by affirming their individual, unique positive qualities.

Supervise

Watch for children teasing and excluding others during less structured times, such as recess and lunch.  Make expectations for behavior on the playground and in the cafeteria clear and specific.  Seemingly less significant teasing and rude comments can escalate to more serious forms of bullying and ostracization. 

Intervene Quickly

Address problems when they begin.  Show the child doing the bullying that you know she or he has the potential to be respectful.  Guide children to find positive ways to make social connections.  Help the child who has been bullied learn ways to ignore the bullying, problem-solve strategies for handling the situation, or respond assertively.