Bullying and Conflict Intervention
Bullying is no longer seen as a “rite of passage” or an example of “kids being kids.” Bullying is now known to have a negative effect on children’s physical and emotional well-being, social development and learning.14-17
Yet, it is not appropriate to treat all aggressive behavior as bullying. Intervention strategies are different for bullying and non-bullying behaviors.
“Strategies to intervene in abusive behaviors are very different from conflict resolution methods where individuals may be brought together to “work things out.”18”
“It is important to consider the power dynamics between individuals within the school community. Bullying prevention researchers and experts caution against specific uses of conflict resolution or restorative practices, such as face-to-face meetings, in cases of bullying out of concern that more harm might occur as a result, especially to a person who has been victimized.18”