Module: Education Psychology

Lecturer: Dr. Ashini Amarasinghe

• Assignment Title - “Putting an end to bullying in schools”

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CASE STUDY

You have seen it before, but this year the situation in your middle school classroom seems
especially vicious. A clique of popular girls has made life miserable for several of their former
friends—who are now “rejects.” The discarded friends have committed the social sins of not fitting
in—they wear the wrong clothes or aren’t “pretty” enough or aren’t interested in boys yet. To keep
the status distinctions, clear between themselves and “the others,” the popular girls spread gossip
about their former friends, often disclosing the intimate secrets revealed when the “out” girls and
the “in” girls were best friends—only a few months ago. Today, you discover that Stephanie, one
of the rejected girls, has written a long, heart-baring e-mail to her former best friend, Alison, asking
why Alison is “acting so mean.” The now-popular Alison forwarded the e-mail to the entire school,
and Stephanie is humiliated. She has been absent for 3 days since the incident.

INTRODUCTION

Bullying is a major problem that impacts numerous youngsters in classrooms. It is our

In this study, I'll go through the various sorts of bullying that may occur in the classroom,
as well as ways for detecting and treating it. I'll also discuss the necessity of maintaining a
safe environment for all children and helping victims of bullying. We can make a difference
in the lives of our students by working together.

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QUESTION 1:

How would you respond to each of the girls?

Intro - Dealing with bullying

It's crucial for teachers to take swift and decisive action when it comes to combating bullying in
the classroom. Speaking with the involved students and gathering as much information as you can
is one of the initial stages. This may be used to assess the urgency of the problem and the
appropriate course of action.

Include parents and officials of the school, if required, to make sure that everyone is on the same
page and striving to find a solution. Additionally, it's crucial to foster open dialogue with children
and provide a secure environment where they feel free to report instances of bullying. I would
observe each of the girls and respond them separately to identify the situation and the matter.

Action - To demonstrate that you care and are available to help, encourage open dialogue and
active listening. For this question, I would talk to Allison and Stephanie separately and I would
recognize their emotions.

When a student is being bullied, it can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-
being. As a teacher, it's important to provide support and resources to help the victim cope with
the situation. One way to do this is by creating a safe space where the victim feels comfortable
sharing their experiences and emotions. Encourage open communication and active listening to
show that you care and are there to help.

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QUESTION 2

What—if anything—would you say to your other students?

Step 1 - Understanding Bullying

Bullying may appear in a variety of ways, some of which might not be immediately apparent.
Physical violence, verbal abuse, marginalization, and cyberbullying are among examples. Bullying
that is physical entails striking, shoving, or other violent acts. Name-calling, taunting, and insults
are all examples of verbal bullying. When a student is purposefully excluded from extracurriculars
or social clubs, it is called exclusion. Technology, such as social media or SMS messaging, is used
in cyberbullying.

As a teacher, it's important to be observant and aware of these different forms of bullying.
Sometimes, students may not speak up about being bullied, so it's up to us to recognize the signs
and take action. Look for changes in behavior, such as a student becoming withdrawn or avoiding
certain areas of the school. Listen to what students say and how they interact with each other. By
being vigilant and proactive, we can help create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
(Ex; Organizing team works, Giving turns for the positions of the classroom...)

Step 2 - Including other students in the victim's support is another tactic.

This can encourage empathy among peers and foster a feeling of community. Students should be
urged to speak out against bullying and to report any occurrences they see or hear about. Together,
you can establish a friendly atmosphere where everyone is recognized and cherished.

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QUESTION 3

Are there ways you can address the issues raised by this situation in your classes?

Step 1 - Establishing a Safe Space

For the benefit of all children, it is essential to provide a secure and welcoming learning
atmosphere in the classroom. By establishing clear standards for conduct and exhibiting those
characteristics yourself as a teacher, you may help pupils learn respect and acceptance. Encourage
your pupils to talk politely, actively listen, and be open-minded. Keep your composure and refrain
from passing judgment on anyone who engages in impolite or exclusive conduct.

Step 2 - Another way to create a safe space is by incorporating diverse perspectives into your
curriculum. This can include reading books by authors from different backgrounds, discussing
current events that affect marginalized communities, and inviting guest speakers to share their
experiences. Be mindful of the language and examples you use in the classroom, and make an
effort to avoid stereotypes and microaggressions.

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QUESTION 4
Reflecting on your years in school, were your experiences more like those of Alison or
Stephanie?
I'll discuss the lows of my school experience in this question, from the friendships and
extracurriculars that made it all worthwhile to the problems and obstacles that put our fortitude
and character to the test. So, let's take a journey down memory lane as you unwind and kick back.

Throughout my academic years, I experienced a range of problems that put my perseverance and
tenacity to the test. Academics were one of my most difficult challenges. I failed in math and
scientific subjects, which caused me to believe that I was not intelligent enough to achieve. I was
able to grow and finally succeed in these disciplines thanks to the assistance of my teachers and
tutors.

When I was in middle school, I was bullied by a gang of classmates. They made fun of my low
grades and frequently excluded me from group events. I tried to ignore it at first, hoping it would
go away. But, as time passed, the bullying became more severe, affecting both my self-esteem and
my academic performance.

I eventually decided to tell a teacher I trusted about what was going on. They were able to intervene
and talk to the students involved, which assisted in putting an end to the bullying. It wasn't an easy
process, but I learnt that when dealing with bullying, it's critical to speak up and get support. At
that time, I thought of Nobody should have to go through this.

Especially when I was a teenager, I experienced societal pressure. I believed that in order to be
accepted, I had to fit in with particular groups or fulfill specific expectations. But I quickly
understood that staying true to who I am was more essential than attempting to impress other
people. It took some time and work, but I eventually developed self-assurance and learned to
surround myself with people that valued and accepted me for who I am.

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Conclusion
In conclusion, it's critical for educators to identify the many types of bullying that might take place
in the classroom and establish a secure environment for their pupils. Teachers should take action
to include parents and officials when dealing with bullying, as well as show sympathy and empathy
for the victim.
Teachers may improve the lives of their students and provide a more welcoming and respectful
learning environment by taking action against bullying. Keep in mind that each kid needs to feel
respected and protected in the classroom.

REFERENCES
1. Gale, (2019)"Bullying." Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection,

2. The New Republic, (19 May 2019)"Not every school's anti-bullying program works—some

may actually make bullying worse,"

3. Diana Divecha (October 29, 2019) “A new study identifies the most effective approaches

to bullying prevention.”

4. Temesgen Demissie Eijigu and Seleshi Zeleke Tekel (2021) BMC Psychology volume 9,

Article number: 183

5. Ken Alfrod, PhD (February 25, 2022) “The best teaching advice I received”