I read an article in Education Week - April 28, 2017 that highlighted New Zealand High school students over the age of 15 were experiencing shamefully high levels of bullying. It states that we have in fact '' one of the highest rates of bullying in the OECD, second to Latvia.
Our Term 1 data highlights inappropriate language and inappropriate physical behaviours were second and third highest ranking problem behaviours and that bullying problem behaviour was on the rise and ranked fifth.
Our student well-being data presented many celebratory moments and we rejoice. However, it also highlights some areas for development. 10% of our students say they do not feel safe at school and almost 20% of our students feel they are not treated fairly. It's time to inquire ...
It was timely to have Amy Walters present a 'bullying prevention programme' to our staff (April 28, 2017). The key points to decreasing bullying behaviours as I remember involve teaching our students to be 'UP-STANDERS". Amy contents that the 'by standers' have the greatest influence. If one person is able to say'' hey ... that's not cool'' or ''come with me (referring to the victim')'', then they are being an 'up stander' rather than a 'by stander'. If this is an approach that we teach our students and make this a school-wide expectation and re-cap the importance of this...then we have a greater chance of changing the 'appalling statistics' of bullying behaviour that our nation currently holds.
It starts here with us, our community.
So ... my wondering, my question is .... How do we improve aspects of the school wide 'well being' student data? and is it now time to review our school-wide policy and procedure regarding bullying?.
I think so!
Practising Teacher Criteria: #5, #12, #7, #2, #4 Wananga, Ako, Manaakitanga
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