School bullying Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

School bullying - Essay Example It is widely acknowledged by students, parents and educators that bullying in schools is a primary concern since it can undermine the academic climate (Whitted and Dupper 2005, p. 167). A nationwide survey conducted in the US indicates that at least 29.9% of US students in grades 6-10 are involved in some degree of bullying School intervention systems typically involve heightening the awareness of teachers, parents and children, publishing anti-bullying policies and ensuring that bully is presented as a serious matter and as such incorporated into the school’s curriculum (Woods and Wolke 2003, p. 382). All indications are therefore that bullying in schools is a serious issue and the professional counselor has a role to play in responding to the issue of bullying. The professional counselor’s role is best suited to addressing the underlying causes of bullying. Smith and Schneider (2004) present a useful profile of both victims and aggressors involved in bullying. These p rofiles are useful guidance for the professional counselor in addressing the underlying factors that contribute to bullying. According to Smith and Schneider (2004) the aggressor is typically involved in substance abuse, has a poor academic performance, has a need to be dominant and is not empathetic to victims. Bullying can also be a means of achieving or elevating the aggressor’s â€Å"social status and access to valued resources† (Smith and Schneider 2004, p. 547). ... op an understanding of themselves, the rights and needs of others† and how to deal with conflicts (Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools, n.d.). The Standards for Personal/Social Development counseling are set out to prevent bulling and other forms of anti-social behavior. These standards call for a proactive and preventative approach to counseling that are by design intended to address the underlying issues and are consistent with the profiles designed by Smith and Schneider (2004). For instance the Standards for Personal/Social Development counseling provide a step by step approach which leads the counselor through the child’s social development beginning with K-3 and ending with Grades 9-12. At the K-3 level, the counselor should ensure that the student develops respect for himself and others and gains an understanding of unity and community with fellow students. The emphasis is on cooperation and empathy (Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools, n.d.). These standards are obviously designed to address the underlying issues that contribute to the aggressor’s behavior. EP7 if the K-3 Counseling Standards for Personal/Social development targets the victim by guiding counselors to help the student learn to identify and seek resources in the school and the wider community (Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools, n.d.). As the student moves up in school the counseling program standards for Personal/Social development require a proactive and preventative approach relative to peer influences and continued emphasis on self-respect and respect for others. The students are also counseled on the dangers of substance abuse. Both aggressors and victims should be counseled on making