CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. School Bullying: What It Is and Why It Hurts
2. The Role of Bullies, Victims, and Witnesses
3. Factors Contributing to Bullying and Violence
4. Screening and Assessment
5. Treatment For Children and Adolescents
6. Prevention and Intervention
7. Legal and Ethical Issues

Supplements
Case Studies
Fact Sheets
References
Resources

The ABCs of Bullying
Addressing, Blocking, and Curbing School Aggression

For the Teacher

The following has been adapted from Rachael Kessler. (2003) Guidelines: The dilemma of Confidentiality.

Teachers, like mental health professionals, have to follow certain exceptions when it comes to protecting a student's confidentiality. The limits include:

• Suicide threats or ideation
• Child abuse
• Drug/alcohol use on school property

All three of these conditions require immediate reporting to an administrator, followed by an appropriate referral. At times, teachers also may feel concerned about a student's well-being or safety. In these cases, the teacher should talk to the student first and try to allow the student to be part of the process. However, if the teacher cannot reach the student and/or the issue mandates immediate action, the teacher must break confidentiality and make a report.

When dealing with emotional issues such as bullying and victimization, teachers need to talk with and not to students. This type of dialogue shows mutual respect and empathy for the child's situation.

Teachers and school counselors can play an important role in helping students understand the concept of confidentiality with regard to others' private thoughts and/or feelings. An effective way to begin a dialogue is to ask the student why they think people repeat something told to them in confidence. In discussing this, the adolescent begins to better understand the importance of respecting other's privacy and the legitimate reasons to share what others are feeling.

One of the biggest issues with confidentiality and sharing of information that teachers need to understand is gossip. Gossip plays a significant role in the dynamics of power and popularity among students and their peers. Students must be taught how to explore the ethical issues involved in sharing confidential information and must develop an understanding of how gossip can hurt. Students also need to understand when they have an obligation to report an incident or comment and that such should not be considered a form of "tattling."