Can bullying in schools can be addressed with a zero tolerance discipline policy?

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Zero tolerance to bullying

Can bullying in schools can be addressed with a zero tolerance discipline policy and a six-hour in-service on bullying for teachers? What if we include an assembly for students? If a peer mediation program is in place in the school, has ‘bullying’ been adequately addressed? I was outraged at the website of a “bully prevention expert” that claimed that teaching empathy was ineffective in reducing bullying. I have been purchasing and analyzing the popular bully proofing “how to” manuals for schools. Many publishers have jumped on the bandwagon since the advent of school shootings and the resulting public alarm quickly producing curricula and manuals to address bullying and violence in schools. Few programs or resource books address the issue completely.

Unfortunately, there are so many Band-Aid solutions out there that people think they are purchasing a program that will “bully proof” their schools and community, yet these programs barely scratch the surface of what is needed to truly address the issue.

The systemic and holistic approach that is documented to be necessary for long-term change (Stevahn, L. 2000) is difficult to “sell” and it can’t be purchased in a manual or a one-day in-service or zero tolerance discipline policy.

So what works? Choose programs, curricula, and pedagogy that foster caring, inclusive communities. Insure that all school staff is on the same page, working together, consistently teaching what is learned through in-service trainings. Support teachers through the process. Consistently implement a discipline policy that promotes problem solving skills and behavior ownership and you have another piece in place. Bring parents and teachers together to work with children at home to promote understanding of the effects of the media and video games on their children’s minds and then teach them how to resolve conflict in the home, and you have made a significant gain towards bully prevention in your school. Do you have a way to teach anger management, and social skills? Do you have a way to support victims and counsel students who bully to own their behavior and learn to empathize?
The latest research on the brain, the media’s effect on the brain and emotional intelligence, compels us to go beyond zero tolerance discipline policies and superficial solutions if we want to truly make a difference in the next generation of youth coming through our school systems. We can make a positive difference and build caring, inclusive school communities as soon as we are willing to make it a priority and do what it takes to get the job done without relying on Band-Aid solutions.

Reference:

Stevahn, L. (2000). School Conflict Programs and Climate: What Matters and Why. Does it work? The Case for Conflict Resolution Education in Our Nation’s Schools.
Washington, DC: Coronet.