A positive school climate plays a significant role in preventing school bullying, according to a new research.
In "The Critical Role of School Climate in Effective Bullying Prevention" published in the journal Theory Into Practice, co-author Cixin Wang, a University of California, Riverside assistant professor, explained schools need to understand positive school climate, use reliable measures to evaluate school climate and implement effective prevention and intervention programs in order to prevent bullying.
"Bullying is a very complex problem," she said in a statement. "With this research, we're really trying to provide school personnel with some proven steps to address the problem."
Wang and her colleagues wanted to address these issues by highlighting the importance of school climate in bullying prevention and reviewing school climate evaluations and intervention programs. Through their research, they found that positive relationships among students and teachers, and negative attitudes toward inappropriate behavior such as bullying are key elements of a positive school climate.
To foster negative attitudes towards bullying, it's advised that teachers take reports of any bullying seriously and intervene consistently according to school rules instead of "ignoring or minimizing school behavior," according to a press release.
The article also suggest that in order to create a positive school environment, school personnel need to promote and model appropriate attitudes and behaviors, such as caring, empathy, and appropriate interactions among and between teachers and students.
Wang found adult behavior is also a critical foundation for a healthy school environment.
"Adults should refrain from bullying students and other adults at school," according to a press release.
The study also suggest that teachers incorporate school climate interventions into the curriculum and use teachable moments to openly discuss topics related to bullying, such as popularity, power and social ostracism.
