With Social Awareness being part of the curriculum, it’s easy to assume that children would be increasingly showing empathy and relational or community awareness. Despite this, data shows that 1 in 4 children from Year 4 to Year 9 are experiencing regular bullying. Additionally, the Office of the eSafety Commissioner also released data indicating there has been a 456% surge in cyberbullying over the last five years.
What is causing this increase in bullying? Could the us vs. them mentality encouraged by social media and digital content be to blame; especially as children are spending more time online? Do some family attitudes or circumstances influence the way children are negatively interacting with others? We could speculate all day, but regardless of the cause, it’s clear to see there is an underlying lack of respect for others and also, an inability among some to recognise the dignity in others.
Redefining Respect for the 21st Century
It’s important to keep in mind that respect is no longer what it used to be. Throughout history, the idea of respect was tied to an authoritarian or traditional view, where respect was automatically granted to those in positions of authority or power. Those lines have since blurred, particularly with the introduction of globalisation, digital media and the internet, where anyone can upload and record anything online. As a result, everyone’s thoughts, opinions and actions are visible in a way that breaks down the untouchable image of those in positions of power.
Respect has evolved. These days respect is seen and experienced as a deep admiration for another’s talents, abilities, achievements and character. Likewise, it can also mean acting with deep consideration for others and being thoughtful to the feelings, rights or wishes of someone.
What’s The Link Between Bullying and Respect?
Bullying and respect are intertwined. Bullying along with other injustices happen because there is a lack of respect and empathy. It can be difficult for students to connect with and even consider the thoughts and feelings of those who are different to them. But this is not an excuse. It is crucial to build and uphold respectful relationships with peers who are different from us to eradicate bullying.
If you’re looking for more evidence, a study published in School Psychological Review measuring the effects of a respect-based program against bullying, found the instances of bullying drastically dropped over one year of focusing on respect. Not only that but, students were more likely to engage in positive bystander behaviour, stepping in if they saw a peer was being bullied. Similarly, another study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found respect acted as a core social and emotional skill and was able to prevent bullying, improve school relationships and foster solidarity for a more inclusive school culture. So, what can we practically do to build a culture of respect in our classrooms?
Strategies to Build Respect in the Classroom
Model Respect
Students will model the behaviours they see around them, which is why it’s crucial that respect starts from the top. Model respect by building positive relationships with your students. Acknowledge their strengths, achievements and even differences with a positive and authentic attitude. This is especially important when dealing with disruptive and even unrespectful behaviours.
Establish Clear Rules and Expectations
Set clear rules for behaviours which are acceptable in the classroom, including consequences for any unwanted behaviours. This can include rules around name-calling, negative comments or reporting any observed bullying. Be consistent with pulling up unwanted behaviour, affirm desired behaviours and following through with your consequences to create a safe and predictable environment.
Give your students opportunities to admire their classmates and differences
Help your students recognise and celebrate each other’s differences and positive qualities. This might mean incorporating classroom hooks where students can share their interests or asking the class to demonstrate their different styles of thinking when solving a problem. Highlight the way differences can be a strength.
Use questioning to help students consider different perspectives and feelings
Incorporate questioning to help widen students’ perspectives. Simple questions such as, “How do you think this will affect [so and so]”, “If you were in their position, how would you feel, what would you do?” can help students to broaden their own world and develop empathy for others.
Make use of collaborative groups
Incorporate collaborative work in your classroom, ensuring that students have a chance to work with different groups and different students. This may take a little time to set up, particularly to make sure that every student is contributing well to the group, but it is well worth it and can have both social and academic benefits.
Conflict Resolution
Provide guidance and show your students positive examples of engaging in conflict resolution, especially when they disagree. Conflict is inevitable, and working towards building understanding from both parties can help, regardless of whether the conflict is solved.
When we teach students that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, we can start to make a change in areas such as bullying.
“Respect begins with this attitude: I acknowledge that you are a creature of extreme worth.”
— Gary Chapman
What have been your experiences with respect and bullying? Let us know in the comments below!