Page 23 - Mini-Module 6

In the implementation phase, the plan is brought to life
and is communicated to the school community. Launching
the plan requires the involvement of the entire school
community—students, staff, and parents. A school
assembly is an effective way to unveil the plan with
appropriate focus and attention – perhaps followed by a
morning tea for parents.
The Action Team will need to determine the best means
and format for communicating each part of the plan. The
Response Plan must be thoroughly understood by all staff
and parents of the school community. It must also be
clearly understood by students. Some schools have used
‘role play’ scenarios to teach students about the Response
Plan and how it works.

Conclusion

In a school ‘free’ of bullying, language, race, cultural, and ethnic
differences are valued, and positive, socially responsible behaviour is
emphasized. As well, a school-wide plan is in place that details clear
and consistent behavioural expectations for all students, and
encourages constructive ways to solve problems.
Schools may never be completely free from bullying, as children grow
and learn socially, they will inevitably tease, exclude, even push, shove
and sometimes fight. There will always be power imbalances as some
children are bigger or ‘smarter’ or more coordinated, or more popular.
The key to a bully-free school is the effort of school leadership to
create a school culture within which bullying is not tolerated and
leadership that is able to engage the whole school community in the
development of a whole of school plan to deal with bullying. Bullying is
a learned behaviour, and it can be unlearned.

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