Students are not always capable of solving personal issues by themselves; sometimes, the only way things will improve is through adult intervention.
For some conflicts, it can be constructive for students to learn how to resolve them on their own. Their friend stopped talking to them, what can they say or do to improve the situation? What personal strategies can they employ and what forms of communication will be best suited for fixing things with their friend? But, when bullying becomes the concern, the victim will likely be unable to fix the issue themselves. Bullying occurs when a student exerts power over another, and that imbalance makes it much more difficult for the student being bullied to have an opportunity to explain their side and stop the harassment.
“Our school community takes these issues very seriously because they affect a student’s sense of well-being and safety and, ultimately, can affect their ability to thrive academically,” said Dean Lisa West.
The very first step is for the problem to be brought to someone outside of the students involved. That could be a trusted adult or an authority in the school, including Principal Everson or Dean West. There are forms available in the office for students to fill out, detailing the situation. These forms are completely confidential and are strictly used by administration to investigate the issue and find a resolution.
Once the problem has been identified, measures can be taken to find a peaceful solution. “It will often take multiple types of action, time, and perseverance in order to resolve,” commented Dean West. The best way forward will depend on each individual situation but for some it may mean bringing the conflicting students together to have a guided conversation about why the problem is occurring and what the involved students can do to fix it.
Dean West approaches complex conflicts or true bullying situations slightly differently. First, she talks with the student reporting the issue. Her goal is to find out more details about what has occurred and to also give the student reporting an opportunity to say what they’d like to happen. “I get their input on the plan going forward to make sure they are comfortable with it and understand the next steps”. She then moves into the investigation portion of the process, where she speaks with other students or adults who have witnessed any of the conflict and can give more insight on what the problem truly is.
The last person she meets with is the person identified as the “bully” or the source of the conflict. “I give that person (or persons) a chance to speak honestly and openly about what is happening and to find out if there is any more information I need in order to fully understand the issues”. West allows the student to fully explain their actions, why they chose to hurt someone else or their rationalization for their part in the situation, so that she can fully understand what this student is also going through. “I always say, I would do the same for you,” added West, regarding the student causing any social issues. “I’m going to protect you and make sure you feel safe, and I’m going to do that for other students”
An important part of West’s approach to dealing with conflict and bullying: “I always provide an opportunity for the student to STOP the behavior”. Afterwards, she continues to monitor the situation and check in with the involved students, particularly with a student being bullied to ensure the harmful behavior has truly stopped. It’s important to maintain communication, so that if the previous action was ineffective, the student feels comfortable reporting any continuation.
If conflict or bullying continues after intervention, the next steps taken by Dean West are typically more severe consequences. This may involve meeting with the guardians, detentions, or suspensions. Issues are not always solved quickly or efficiently, as West says “it will often take multiple types of action, time, and perseverance in order to resolve”.
