If every student has been, or will experience a bullying situation at some point in their lives (which is the case based on my research), it’s smart to prepare students in advance. This isn’t being pessimistic; I’d just rather be proactive then reactive, especially when it comes to teaching students the importance of diplomacy and anti-bullying tactics at an early age. Teaching students conflict resolution skills starts with modeling positive, confident, assertive (not aggressive), problem solving behaviors.
Students are watching us, taking cues based on our interactions, so it’s important that we remember, and are aware of our position as role models. Although we are parents and educators, we’re also humans, prone to falling into bad habits, or patterns of behavior, so let’s not kick ourselves. However, it’s precisely in these moments, our moments of conflict or frustration with others, that we need to raise our game, practice self awareness and think about how our actions may be perceived.
Taking a deep breath, and dealing with these situations in a calm, compassionate and confident manner, will have a far greater impact on your students, then any amount of advice or class topic on bullying ever will. The phrase may go “Do as I say, not as I do” however the opposite is true when it comes to influencing students, your actions speak far louder than words.
Rehearsing suitable language and phrasing, as well as problem solving techniques with students will begin to grow their confidence, their conflict resolution skills, as well as teach them how to efficiently execute all their anti-bullying teachings. Like any muscle, the more you train it, the stronger it becomes. The compassion you bring to this process, and demonstrate during your own moments of conflict, is how empathy will be fostered in your students.