An Anti-Bullying, Finding our Humanity & Decency Movement
Bus drivers. Not just driving.
Have you ever heard professional athletes say that they are not role models?
A few years back the subject would come up in the media on a regular basis. There was somewhat of a debate on the subject. Are athletes, or any celebrity for that matter, somehow responsible to maintain a certain code of conduct, manners, morals, etc., in the public eye? If youth look to them and they exert positive or negative influence with our kids, should they be cognizant of this and consider their public actions as part of their job responsibilities?
Some athletes argued that they should not be held to a higher standard. That they are simply athletes, and should be judged on how they perform in this aspect only. The counter argument is that whether or not they signed up to be a role model, the fact is, they are. Our youth are influenced by their actions on and off the field of play, and their job is tied to and their pay correlates with, the relationship they maintain with our youth.
Because children, and even some adults, idolize athletes, the question of influence and responsibility is more apparent and pronounced. Truth is, almost all jobs carry some social responsibility.
I remember some years ago I worked in a warehouse setting with the responsibility of overseeing approximately 8 supervisors and over 100 employees. One of the supervisors knew the product well. He arrived on time. Took care of his responsibilities in terms of job description...except in one area. He did not make any effort, nor did he want to, or feel a need to, maintain a positive attitude and positive influence within the company. His attitude was often surly, and sometimes rude. While his product knowledge was superb, his interactions with other employees was often negative. In fact, it became apparent that his attitude had a negative impact on the company atmosphere and company morale when he was around. Even though his knowledge and job duties were performed above par, the damage he did to morale by not recognizing his responsibility to maintain positive interactions with his co-workers, superseded the positives.
We talked about this and I explained that he would have to recognize that his job performance and evaluations went beyond simply performing job duties. That he was also responsible for and obliged to maintain a company atmosphere that does not demoralize co-workers, but, rather, helps them also achieve their best. Fortunately, he accepted the charge and became an even more valued employee.
Our social and emotional intelligence and capacity is all the more important when we are entrusted with jobs that involve interactions with our children. It does not matter what that job is. We should model socially aware and responsible behavior.
Being a school bus driver can be very rewarding. But let's not kid ourselves. It can also be very challenging. Especially for those transporting middle schoolers. Drivers should be the example, communicate expectations, and create the atmosphere on their bus that the students may embrace
Thank you, Karen Sweet.
Bullying on the school bus.
One of the most prevalent areas for bullying to occur is the school bus. From the U.S. Department of Education almost 10% of all school day bullying occurs on the buses. This percentage may not seem big but it actually is when you consider two important facts. First, only half of school age children use the bus. And second, a proportionately small amount of time is spent on the bus in relation to the entire school day. It is easy to bully others here. Drivers are busy keeping their children safe, looking forward, and keeping their attention and eyes on the road. Students are sitting behind supervision. The seating is often forced with different age groups in a mixed setting. The following video provides effective steps to take to create a safe environment free of bullying on your bus and on your watch.
Jeff Castle - School Bus Safety Company
Effective steps to stop bullying on your bus as outlined in the video:
1. Set expectations early.
At the start of the school year you should tell all the students on your bus that bullying and teasing of others on the bus will not be tolerated. Provide some examples of what constitutes bullying and teasing. Repeat these expectations every two months, or as needed. While it is helpful to let students know that this behavior is hurtful to others, never mention suicide.
2. Encourage students to report bullying.
Again, this should be done at the beginning of the school year and sporadically repeated throughout year.
3. Ask students on the bus to help stop bullying and teasing.
If they witness another child being bullied or teased they should report it. Let them know that they may do so confidentially if they choose, and you will honor their confidentiality. We all witness abusive behavior from time to time throughout our lives. We should decide from a young age to be strong enough to stand up for others when we can possibly make a positive difference in the life of another.
Observe the character of those on your bus starting at the beginning of the year. Who are the students that show greater maturity and emotional intelligence? It could help to talk to them privately and ask them to help be your eyes and ears. If they observe behavior on the bus that is damaging to another, to please let you know privately. Help them understand we all have a responsibility to help defend those who may not be able to defend themselves.
4. Watch the interactions between students.
From the beginning of the year, be observant of your students as much as possible Not always easy as your primary focus will be their safety on the road. But, of course, there are always opportunities to tune in to your students, such as when they are getting on and off the bus. If you see behavior that concerns you, ask the students involved or ask a third party. Remember - the student being teased will almost definitely not open up to you if the bully or bullies are close by. Even if they are not, chances are that he or she may not open up. It takes a mountain of faith to talk about an embarrassing and shameful situation they are enduring, especially as they may fear it will only get worse. You are more likely to get the truth from a third party.
If you see boy or girl that seems to be teasing others or shows aggressive behavior, be proactive. Ask for their help to set the example on the bus. Let them know that you have seen the damage bullying and teasing others has caused others and it is not cool or okay. This conversation can be done with love and care and you are more likely to see the results you desire.
5. When bullying is taking place take action immediately.
Document the behavior and let the appropriate person know, following school policy. Then follow up as necessary. Remember that your report will likely be given to someone with a full plate and many other concerns to be tended to. Someone who has not witnessed the behavior first hand will likely not be as emotionally moved to action as you are. These are your kids.So help your supervisor or whoever receives the report to follow through by you following up first.
6. If students are fighting...
Call for help. Call dispatch or call the police. If a child is being attacked by another this is an assault. Treat it as such and give the child the same protection you would give if you saw an assault on another adult.
You most likely will be the only adult on your bus. This is your bus! You get to establish the emotional climate. Do so from the beginning of the year. Set the example that the students may follow. Take the time to know their names. Say hi and bye to them when they get on and off the bus. Communicate expectations early. Repeat them as needed.
The students will be observing you, looking to you, and, of course, you got this.
Here is some great information and tips from the NEA.
Bus Drivers and Bullying Prevention