A report published September 2 finds that school culture can go a long way to reduce bullying.
Researchers from nonprofit YouthTruth surveyed 200,000 K-12 students and find that victims of bullying are more likely to turn to adults at home rather than at school.
The survey also finds less than half of students from 3rd to 12th grade feel a sense of belonging at school. David McKinney, vice president with YouthTruth, said schools need to intentionally foster a civil, friendly, open atmosphere.
“When students see adults modeling respect, rates of bullying drop,” said McKinney. “They are less likely to say that they have been bullied or that they’ve witnessed bullying. When they report to us that they see adults treating other adults and treating kids with respect.”
Students tend to feel more comfortable when they have something in common with their teachers, who act as positive role models. The study found that Black and nonbinary students often lack these role models on campus.
The data also finds that about 70% of bullying focuses on a student’s appearance, and to a lesser extent, their race, gender expression, sexuality, and disability. Schools with more diverse staff members who are trained to foster connection with students tend to have fewer problems with bullying.
Kelly Jacob is director of High Tech Middle North County, a public charter middle school in San Marcos, near San Diego. She said teachers spend the first week of school working to help kids feel like they’re in a safe space with friends and trusted adults.
“You know, lots of schools, it’s like day one – ‘here’s the syllabus – we’re going to get to the math and science,'” said Jacob. “That’s super important, but before anything, you’ve got to help kids understand that they are valued and loved and respected, and that they’re in a school, in a place that they want to be.”
To make sure no one falls through the cracks, students at High Tech Middle North County attend a short advisory class with the same teacher every day during first period. They’re part of that class for all three years they learn at the school.
