Countering Bullying Behaviour

Advice for investigating and dealing with bullying

Teachers are best advised to take a calm, unemotional problem solving approach when dealing with incidents of bullying behaviour reported by either pupils, staff, or parents/guardians. Such incidents are best investigated outside the classroom situation to avoid the public humiliation of the victim or the pupil engaged in bullying behaviour.

In any incident of bullying, the teacher should speak separately to the pupils involved, in an attempt to get both sides of the story. All interviews should be conducted with sensitivity and with due regard to the rights of all pupils concerned. Pupils who are not directly involved can also provide very useful information in this way.

• When analysing incidents of bullying behaviour seek answers to questions of what, where, when, who and why. This should be done in a calm manner, setting an example in dealing effectively with a conflict in a non-aggressive manner.
  
• If a gang is involved, each member should be interviewed individually and then the gang should be met as a group. Each member should be asked for his/her account of what happened to ensure that everyone is clear about what everyone else has said.
  
• If it is concluded that a pupil has been engaged in bullying behaviour, it should be made clear to her/him how s/he is in breach of the Code of Behaviour and Discipline and try to get her/him to see the situation from the victim’s point of view.
  
• Each member of the gang should be helped to handle the possible pressures that often face them from other members after interview by the teacher.
  
• Teachers who are investigating cases of bullying behaviour should keep a written record of their discussions with those involved. It may also be appropriate or helpful to ask those involved to write down their account of the incident.
  
• In cases where it has been determined that bullying behaviour has occurred, meet with the parents or guardians of the two parties involved as appropriate. Explain the actions being taken and the reasons for them, referring hem to the school policy. Discuss ways in which they can reinforce or support the actions taken by the school.
  
• Arrange follow-up meetings with the two parties involved separately with a view to possibly bringing them together at a later date if the victim is ready and agreeable. This can have a therapeutic effect.