How to Stop Bullying on the Bus

When bullying happens on a bus, the victim is not the only person in danger. Other children, motorists and even pedestrians are also at risk. If the bullying distracts the bus driver, it could cause an accident. Space on a bus is limited, so a bully could harm more than the intended victim.Nearly 25 percent of serious bullying incidents happen on the bus, according to the American Public Health Association, an online resource dedicated to improving community health. Yet, there are ways to stop bullying.

Instructions

Preventing Bullying on the Bus

1. Implement a zero-tolerance policy on the bus. A zero-tolerance policy is a regulation that will punish anyone who breaks the rule. So if a person is bullying another person on a bus, they would be disciplined with no exceptions. For example, if a child is caught bullying another student, a zero-tolerance policy could state that the bully be banned from the bus for the remainder of the year.

2. Make students follow a strict code of conduct on the bus. If students are required to follow specific rules, such as staying in seats and keeping your hands to yourself, it will be hard for a bully to terrorize his victims.

3. Install a camera on the bus. In most cases, public buses have security cameras to deter theft, bullying and to enhance overall security. In 2009, the Yazoo County School District in Mississippi was able to use a security camera from a school bus as a witness in a severe bullying case; the same district also saw a decrease in fighting and bullying.

4. Teach children about bullying. If children are educated, or if students are able to learn how bullying affects a victim, the awareness could help prevent bullying on the bus.

5. Teach parents to watch for warning signs. A student may be scared to tell someone he is being bullied on the bus. Warning signs include a student being terrified to get on the bus, deliberately trying to miss the bus, creating an excuse to avoid riding the bus, torn clothing or a sudden change in behavior. If educators, administrators and parents know what to watch for, they can help stop bullying.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide incentive for reducing incidents of bullying, such as praising or rewarding students if they go a full month without any occurrences.

• Punish every incident of bullying. Ignoring isolated incidents could escalate the problem.

References

• American Public Health Association: No Bullies on Board
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• ABC (WAPT): Cameras Help Reveal School Bus Bullies

Resources

• United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Stop Bullying Now: Warning Signs