Page 21 - Mini-Module 6

Step 6: Develop a Response Plan
Includes detailing guidelines and procedures for responding
to bullying:

● a system for recording and tracking incidents of
bullying behaviour.
● ways of supporting students who are bullied.
● ways of responding to students who bully.
● strategies for students who witness bullying.
● mediation for all parties involved in a bullying
incident.
● positive programs for explicit learning that reduce
bullying.

The following is one example of a ‘Response Plan’ for school
leaders.

1. When a child is bullied
● Do not minimize, rationalize, or explain the behaviour away. Tell the
student that you hear and understand what is happening so that he or
she does not feel helpless and alone.
● Reassure the child that what is happening is not his or her fault. This is
critical because bullying's effects can last into adulthood.
● Teach children how to respond appropriately. Encourage children who
are being bullied verbally to stand up for themselves and not to permit
others to be bullied when they are present - there are no innocent
bystanders.
● Encourage children to report bullying that they experience or witness.
As educators, we need to make it clear through strong antibullying
programs and procedures that this behaviour will not be tolerated in
school.

21
21