Bullying... Shifting the Balance

At a recent forum held at my school during Ontario's Anti-Bullying week (third week in November) I had the great pleasure of renewing my acquaintance with a professor at Brock University- Dr. Zoptito Marini- who is a leading researcher in the field of bullying. During our preliminary discussions, it was decided that we would emphasize the positive aspects that are required in school environments to address this problem. Specifically, the evening was framed within the context of community building. The focus was going to be on creating a school environment that shifts the balance in favour of those helping to build people up rather than bring them down. In his keynote address, Dr. Marini engaged an audience of students, teachers, staff, and parents on the root causes of bullying, how to identify it in its various forms, and most importantly, how to shift the balance away from rewarding bullies to empowering those who want to put a stop to bullying in schools. It was fitting that following the talk, a panel consisting of the head of student services (health center), a parent and counsellor, and two student leaders (male and female) weighed in on the discussion that was created. Each offered in her and his terms a message that was consistent with that of the keynote speaker. The discussion generated coalesced around the following three areas: 1. The need for a Community Values Statement. Possibilities for a school-wide campaign from grades JK-8 included: “Take a stand, lend a hand.” “Who can I turn to?” “Whose got my back?” “Don’t be a bystander, buy in.” “Talk, Walk, Squawk.” “Be an ally, be a friend.” 2. Identified (by students and staff) areas of concern around the school where bullying is most likely to occur: - change rooms - lunch room (need for an emphasis on politeness and good manners) - recess and playground - dorm (at our residential school) - cyberspace.

3. Finally a classroom Protocol on Bullying that can be understood in the everyday language of a student emerged: a. Is this a disagreement/conflict or bullying situation? b. Have I clearly expressed my feelings/opinion? (to the other person, to an adult, to a parent or family member) c. Who can I turn to for help? (teacher, advisor, coach, parent, health center) d. Has the problem stopped? e. Do I feel safe and happy about myself at school? To be sure, our school community is a positive one and the incidence of bullying is quite low. That doesn't mean that we can't improve, because there is always room for improvement. The important thing is that we are addressing the issue in a comprehensive manner and involving the entire school community in the process. That is how the balance gets shifted.