It is an unfortunate reality that some students in our schools exhibit aggressive, cruel, and hurtful behavior, commonly known as bullying. In a special needs classroom, this can have a particularly disturbing effect. Special needs students often face esteem issues, and their perceptions significantly influence their personality development. Negative actions create impressions linked to self-worth, which can impede or even halt their development. Bullying is a major issue for these children.
Phrases like “He goes to class with the retarded kids,” “She rides on the short bus,” and “What’s happening, dummy?” are among the least harmful things said to special needs students. The extent to which this behavior is tolerated is the responsibility of educators. It is already challenging for students to learn while coping with their disabilities, and the added stress of bullying only exacerbates the situation.
Addressing bullying with any child can be difficult. Often, the victim feels ashamed or fears retribution from the bully. Both the school and the parents have an obligation to address this issue, though doing so can be challenging without proper identification and information.
To effectively address bullying, it is helpful to understand the different types of bullying that victims may encounter and the best ways to deal with them in the classroom. The following categories, drawn from the Oracle Education Foundation, provide a solid foundation for what educators might encounter: physical bullying, emotional bullying, verbal bullying, cyberbullying, sexual bullying, and homophobic bullying.
While other forms of bullying exist, this list covers the most prevalent types. Identification is only the first step in planning and implementing a solution to bullying in any school.
- Physical bullying involves any unwanted physical contact between the bully and the victim, making it one of the easiest types to spot. While it’s unrealistic to expect teachers to see everything happening in a classroom, sharp attention and immediate action can help prevent this form of abuse.
- Emotional bullying damages a victim’s psyche or emotional well-being. Hurtful comments about a student’s disability or references to the “little bus” can be demoralizing. Educators must be vigilant and strive to “hear” everything, acting decisively and proactively.
- Verbal bullying includes derogatory, disparaging, or offensive statements that cause excessive emotional anguish. Developing a school policy that details proper and improper communication is one avenue to pursue. However, it ultimately falls on educators and parents to remain vigilant and take swift action.
- Cyberbullying occurs primarily through technology. Text messages, chat rooms, social media, and email create a subculture where bullying can thrive. Strict monitoring of electronic communication is the first step in addressing this growing issue, which presents significant challenges due to its expansive nature.
- Sexual bullying refers to any bullying behavior based on a person’s sexuality or gender, often directed at girls. This form can manifest face-to-face, through gossip, or via technology, making it closely related to cyberbullying. Educators should maintain a zero-tolerance policy, as much of this behavior is illegal and prosecutable.
- Homophobic bullying involves verbal or physical abuse directed at someone perceived to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). This is particularly challenging in the classroom due to societal conflicts regarding the LGBT community. Once again, a zero-tolerance approach is essential, as this type of bullying often contains both physical and sexual components.
Understanding the types of bullying and striving to prevent it may best be served by educators and parents becoming more aware of the phenomenon and understanding a bully’s mindset. Bullies often exhibit common personality traits, though the root causes can vary. Recognizing why someone behaves in a certain way can be insightful. However, this understanding does not excuse the behavior, but it may help teach bullies to change their actions.
Time Magazine reported that bullies often have high self-esteem but may also be victims of physical abuse. Many come from families where discipline is applied inconsistently or through physical means. Common reasons for bullying include:
- Viewing their victims as inferior
- Desiring to appear superior by comparison
- Seeking power
- Lacking empathy
- Lacking compassion
- Aiming to dominate
- Being impulsive
- Craving attention
- Believing it’s “the cool thing to do”
Understanding the reasons behind a bully’s behavior may assist educators in addressing these issues, provided they have the time to engage with the bully. However, it remains crucial for educators to impose appropriate consequences when bullying is discovered. Parents and educators must work together: educators should take immediate action in the classroom, while parents provide support at home to help alleviate the fear and stigma that students may feel. This collaboration is particularly imperative in special needs classrooms, where distractions can seriously hinder the educational process.
