The old adage “where there are children, they will find bullies” is not valid in today’s world. We have seen this behavior manifest at school, on the job, and even online.
Many students experienced bullying when they were younger, and it eventually became a rite of passage, but this is no longer the case. Anti-bullying movements have gained more attention in recent years, which has helped stop these behaviors entirely!
However, there have been countless cases where victims died or were injured because their classmates wouldn’t tell on them.
Some of the main reasons for reducing bullying behavior are the awareness and the admission of counselors in educative systems. Schools and colleges always have, if not one then several counselors as part of the staff.
However, the question arises as to whether counselors can genuinely make a difference. This article will talk about how they can intervene and curb bullying behavior in schools.
Table of Contents
Assessing The Home Environment
As it turns out, addressing the behavior at school is like treating an infection – you temporarily remove a symptom and not the root cause.
We know that every student has their own set of unique needs and strengths to learn about themselves. That’s why schools strive for a one-on-one counseling session with each child, so they feel they matter rather than just “the kid over there.”
Counselors have the knowledge and skills to provide emotional support for people in need. They’re often required to pass certifications tests before practicing counseling or social work, which requires extensive coursework with other professionals who specialize in these fields. They help students through their school years and ensure that their issues don’t spill over into schools.
Understanding The Role Of Narcissism
One of the main reasons bullies behave the way they do is they think their behavior is valid and flex their power wherever they feel like it. The feeling that they are right and everyone else has to accept their opinion is just one factor that adds to the perpetrator’s behavior. However, another reason may be due to an inferiority complex.
Assertive training and self-esteem enhancement therapies are great ways to help these students find solace in their personalities and stop displacing their aggression. Dealing with things like this in a school setting might not always be the best idea. Therefore, referring the case to an external therapist might be the most appropriate way to deal with the situation.
Getting The Parents Involved
Counselors will almost always have to bring the parents in at some point. The primary caregivers need to know what their child is doing in school. However, the fact remains that they are dealing with minors most of the time; parental consent is necessary.
Parental intervention is a must if the student requires to change their behavior. In one way or another, the parent will need to take action related to their children’s behavior.
Sympathizing with the perpetrator only will not help them in any way, so you must keep both parties’ interests at heart when dealing with this type of situation.
Conducting Seminars
Addressing the students through a school assembly may also be an excellent way for the counselor to intervene in school. Making their presence felt in the school environment is extremely important so that the students know that there is someone in place for precisely the behavior they are engaging in.
Letting the children know that there is a counselor on the premises gives the appearance (rightfully so) of checks and balances and accountability for actions.
Other than that, educating the students about bullying protocols, the effects thereof, and who to contact if there is an issue is necessary. Most students don’t want to talk about their problems, and even if they do, they don’t know who to go to.
Harassing or bullying behavior in any form may not be tolerated. Besides, cyberspace can have just as much impact, so don’t engage with those individuals at all costs.
Conclusion
Bullying has claimed thousands of lives worldwide and continues to wreak havoc on institutions around the country. Though the system has progressed in curbing the behavior, there is still more that needs to be done to eradicate this issue for good.
This article has talked about the importance of schools counselors and the interceptive roles they play in curbing the behavior. From talking about the predisposing factors to addressing parents and conducting assemblies, we have gone over several intervening measures they use.
Educators tirelessly work towards bringing the best out of the students and ensuring that the school is safe. We often don’t acknowledge their efforts and trivialize what they are doing. It’s about time we realize their importance and change how we think about educators in society.