Solving The Bullying Problem: It's Beyond Punishment

Bullying is a problem that has plagued lots of students over the years and resulted in much trauma, or even death in extreme cases. In spite of anti-bullying laws in states and anti-bullying policies in schools that are in place, it seems that punishment just doesn't do the trick.

According to the Good Men Project, the anti-bullying laws generally call for the punishment of students in the form of suspension or expulsion from the school. One unique example cited is in Idaho, where the anti-bullying law forms part of the criminal code, meaning bullies face criminal penalties too.

Some more fodder for the conversation re the failure of punishment or zero tolerance to combat bullying in our... https://t.co/8LDdr9fTkg

— Adam Voigt (@adam_voigt) May 24, 2016

Punishment Does Not Address The Roots Of Bullying

Three years ago, Catherine Bradshaw from the University of Virginia wrote about the use of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to address bullying. Bradshaw said that there is "limited evidence" that punishment of student through suspension are effective in stopping aggressive or bullying behavior "as many children who bully may, themselves, be victims and may have other behavioral, social, or emotional problems requiring intervention."

According to Bradshaw, from a socio-ecological standpoint, bullying is linked to a poor school climate while positive, schoolwide approaches to student behavior management improve school climate and likely, bullying too. These approaches are a better option rather than punishment.

Punishing The Parents Of Bullies

Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, bullying prevention has turned to the parents of bullies for punishment. The punishment comes in the form of fines. Miami Herald reported that there is no evidence that fining the parents has actually been effective in preventing bullying.

In Shawano, there is an ordinance that parents of bullies whose behavior does not improve within 90 days would be punished with a fine of $366. If there is another offense within a year, there would be a fine of $681. A fine of $124 for the first offense awaits in Monona and $184 for the second offense within a year. In Plover, the fine is $124.

As of early May, only warnings have been given, and no one has actually been punished through fines. Plover Police Chief Dan Ault was quoted as saying that the ordinances are not about money or the punishment of parents, but they are about making sure that the parents are responsible for their children's behavior.

What are your suggestions to address bullying? Write your comments below.