Bullying vs. Peer Conflict

Hi Beacon Families!

During our last classroom guidance cycle I discussed the differences between Bullying and Peer Conflict with every grade level.  These two concepts often get used interchangeably; however, there are distinct and important differences. It is important for students to be able to identify each and know what to do about both.  

All Grade Levels

We defined Bullying as:

*  one student having significantly more power in the problem then the other student

*  physically trying to hurt someone

*  name calling or teasing, by the same student, over and over again 

*  Leaving someone out on purpose over and over again

We defined Peer Conflict as:

*  each student having equal power in the problem (more like a disagreement)

*  annoying behavior (tapping a desk, humming, etc.,,)

*  an accidental incident (vs. purposely hurtful)

*  an incident happening only one time (vs. an established pattern)

I presented a Richland Two mandatory PowerPoint with each class on "Bullying and Inappropriate Behavior".  After our discussion and PowerPoint I gave students several scenarios to "quiz" them on identifying whether an incident was bullying or peer conflict.  We also discussed how to handle each.  I instructed students to always report to an adult when bullying is happening to them or to someone else.  We talked about different appropriate adults to report to but that the first person to report to will most likely be the teacher they are with, simply because it's best for the nearest adult to address the situation as quickly as possible.   We talked about how it's important to try and either ignore or problem-solve things that fall into the "annoying behaviors" and/or "peer conflict" categories first before asking an adult for assistance.

To end our lesson together, we talked about the differences between Reporting vs. Tattling.  This is often a challenging concept for many elementary aged students.  I emphasized that "telling", when it's important, is called "reporting".  Some students are hesitant to report in fear that they might be called either a "tattle-tale" or a "snitch".  I reminded them that if it's a matter of safety for them or someone else, it's always more important to report the situation to an adult even if someone calls them a name for doing so.  I emphasized safety is always more important than anything else.

5th Grade

The following YouTube video is a great review, or connection piece, for 5th grade teachers to follow up during class time or morning meeting.  It can also serve as a great conversation starter with your child at home.

1st Grade

For this grade level I included a fun book about bullying to help keep the students engaged and the topic relevant to their developmental level.  We read Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney.

Kindergarten

For this grade level I included a Howard B. Wigglebottom social story on the smartboard from The We Do Listen Foundation website.  We watched Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns about Bullies.  You can access these wonderful social stories at:  https://wedolisten.org/media/