• What to do to ensure that the class understands the definition of Bullying?
     
    Children may not always know when their behavior crosses the line and becomes bullying. Two important goals is asserting control over bullying are to create shared expectations for appropriate conduct and to build a common understanding of what behaviors should be defined as "bullying". To accomplish these objectives, a teacher can:
     
    * Hold a class meeting in which students come up with rules for appropriate behaviors. Rules should be limited in number (no more that 3-4) and be framed in positive terms (that is, stating what students should do instead of what they should avoid doing).

    Here are several sample rules:
    • Treat others with courtesy and respect.
    • Make everyone fell welcome and included.
    • Help others who are being bullied or picked on.   

    * Create a shared definition for bullying with the class by having them identify behaviors that are "bullying" behaviors. List these behaviors on the board. If students focus only on examples of direct bullying, remind them not to overlook indirect bullying (e.g., gossip, excluding others from a group). Tell the class that when you see examples of bullying occurring, you plan to intervene to keep the classroom a safe and friendly place to learn.