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”