Curbing Bullying in Childcare - post

Bullying is an imbalance of power where the victim is upset but the bully typically is not. Bullies usually have no remorse and do not see the need for a resolution. Bullying is ongoing and can be a serious emotional or physical threat.

There are several different types of bullying that caregivers must be aware of in order to prevent or halt bullying behaviors.

• Direct bullying: Aggressive behaviors occur in the presence of the targeted youth.
  • Examples: face-to-face interactions (pushing, hitting), direct harmful written or verbal communications (taunting, mean notes)
• Indirect bullying: Aggressive behavior(s) are not directly communicated to the youth.
  • Examples: spreading rumors, telling others to exclude
• Physical: hitting, kicking, punching, spitting, tripping, pushing
• Verbal: Taunting, name-calling, threatening words, notes or gestures, sexual comments
• Relational: designed to harm reputation and relationships
• Social isolation, spreading rumors, posting embarrassing images

When caregivers are committed to ensuring the safety of all children in their care, a bullying prevention program is an excellent way to address common behaviors in older children. A successful bully prevention program is:

• Universal (school-wide)
• Preventative and problem solving
• Focused on changing norms and behaviors
• Research-based
• Not time-limited; requires systematic efforts over time
• Inclusive of bystander involvement

Interested in learning more about bullying and ways to prevent or halt bullying behaviors? Check out H&H Child Care Training Center today and see our wide list of training courses offered to support early childhood educators.