The Nordic Way to Stop Bullying
For years, the negative impacts of bullying weren’t given much thought and were perceived by some as a normal part of childhood. Fortunately, some schools and educators are taking the issue seriously and recognizing that victims of bullying suffer consequences in both the short and long term, affecting their physical and mental health and even their future earning power in the job market.
Bullying victims suffer from increased stress, fear, and anxiety that can lead to social withdrawal and low self-esteem. With these experiences imprinted on who they become as adults, they may struggle to form healthy relationships with themselves and others. Their ability to trust and be vulnerable, key tenets in strong interpersonal relationships, may be compromised.
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, developed by Swedish-Norwegian psychologist Dan Olweus, addresses “the entire school ecosystem” so that bullying behavior and tolerance for it are flushed out. This holistic program starts with schools making clear to students the specifics of acceptable behaviors and the punishments that come with infractions. Every adult in the school, not just teachers but cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and custodians, receives anti-bullying education and training. Additionally, areas on campus where bullying is likely to occur are heavily monitored.
Evidence of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program’s efficacy comes from its implementation in over 200 schools in Pennsylvania. A two-year analysis of the program showed a reduction of approximately 2000 bullying incidents. Though the results of the Olweus and other anti-bullying campaigns are promising, school districts are slow to adopt them.
You can learn more about these programs in this article from BBC Future.
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/the-nordic-way-to-stop-bullying
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Slipstream
Bullying has only gotten worse and teachers are some of the major offenders. I read last week about a white teacher at a rural New York public school who questioned a pair of light-skinned Black students about their fair complexions, asking both—in front of a classroom full of kids—if they were "purebred" Black. Imagine that! When teachers are that insensitive, kids assume it's okay, and start their own word slinging following their adult examples.
I'm all for a program like this one being mandatory for every single school everywhere. It's about time major steps are taken. Thanks for posting this article.
Evangel
It's good that some schools are trying to conquer the problem rather than accepting it as normal and okay. Such programs might soon be labeled "woke" though, and therefore unacceptable, so getting them into certain school districts might be difficult unless the health consequences are understood and taken seriously.
I believe that most bullying happens at home by siblings or parents--not by classmates. Students are under threat of unpleasant consequences should they become bullies. Parents and siblings are not. Kids who are bullied at home go to school angry and hurt and bully others. I think more attention should be placed on understanding why the bully is a bully to begin with, and address the potential causes at home.
Sadly, there is now an accepted culture of bullying far and wide among adults—thanks largely to our former and soon-to-be President. His indecent and outrageous practice of name calling and labeling opponents "stupid" (the epitome of bullying) has become a cause célèbre, especially among men—who boys seek to emulate.
Serenity Township
Your absolutely right that bullying begins at home…and that’s why this program is so fantastic. Sometimes all it takes is to be shown the way to behave correctly…something that might not be taught at home.