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				 Bullying 
				and harassment can have serious negative impacts on students' 
				well-being and academic performance. Teachers play a critical 
				role in preventing and addressing these issues in the classroom 
				and school. 
				This 
				could be achieved through the following: 
					
					
					
					Establish clear rules and expectations around 
					appropriate behaviour, 
					including consequences for bullying and harassment.
					
					
					Create a safe and inclusive classroom 
					environment 
					where all students feel respected and valued.
					
					
					Take all reports of bullying and harassment 
					seriously 
					and investigate them promptly.
					
					
					Use restorative practices 
					to address bullying and harassment, including talking with 
					the victim, the perpetrator, and any witnesses.
					
					
					Provide support and resources 
					for students who have experienced bullying and harassment.
					
					
					Encourage bystander intervention
					and empower students to stand up against bullying and 
					harassment.
					
					
					Use age-appropriate lessons and activities to 
					educate students 
					about the effects of bullying and harassment, and how to 
					prevent it.
					
					
					Collaborate with parents and guardians 
					to address incidents of bullying and harassment and develop 
					strategies for prevention.
					
					
					Involve school counselors, administrators, 
					and other support staff 
					as needed to address bullying and harassment.
					
					
					Document all incidents of bullying and 
					harassment, 
					including the date, time, location, and nature of the 
					incident, as well as any witnesses and actions taken.
					
					
					Provide ongoing training and support for 
					teachers 
					on how to recognize, prevent, and address bullying and 
					harassment.
					
					
					Ensure that all school staff are aware of the 
					school's policies and procedures 
					around bullying and harassment and are prepared to enforce 
					them.
					
					
					Provide opportunities for students to give 
					feedback 
					on the school's efforts to prevent and address bullying and 
					harassment.
					
					
					Regularly review and evaluate the school's 
					policies 
					and procedures around bullying and harassment to ensure that 
					they are effective and up-to-date.
					
					
					Foster a culture of respect, empathy, and 
					kindness 
					in the classroom and throughout the school. 
				In conclusion, handling bullying 
				and harassment in classrooms and schools requires a 
				comprehensive approach that involves creating a safe and 
				inclusive learning environment, educating students about the 
				effects of bullying and harassment, and taking prompt action to 
				address incidents when they occur. By working together, 
				teachers, administrators, students, and families can help 
				prevent bullying and harassment and promote a culture of respect 
				and kindness in schools.   
				References: 
					
					
					Bullying Prevention and Intervention: Information for 
					Educators by the National Education Association 
					
					Preventing and Responding to Bullying: Information for 
					Teachers by StopBullying.gov 
					
					Bullying Prevention and Positive Behavior Support by the 
					Center for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
					
					
					Picture: iStock
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