Conflict and Bullying

Teachers at Linwood work to help our students to understand the difference between conflict and bullying.

 

Conflict:

• a disagreement or a difference of opinion or interests between equals
• normal part of social interactions as we don’t always agree with others about the things we want, what we think or what we want to do
• can result in people getting frustrated or angry
• people involved both are equal in power, but see things from different perspectives
• emotions may run high and aggression may result if those involved do not have adequate conflict resolution skills
• when people have the skills to resolve the dispute so needs are met, the conflict does not continue
• inevitable part of group dynamics

 

Bullying:

• involves the intent to harm
• an imbalance of power exists
• worsens with repetition over time
• distress for the child being bullied, often including fear, occurs
• enjoyment of the effects on the child or teen being bullied by the person (people) doing the bullying exists
• there is a threat – implicit or explicit – of further aggression
• can be verbal, physical, social or cyberbullying

 

Conflicts are expected in elementary school. Developmentally, children at this age are still learning how to see issues from the perspective of others. The ability to negotiate and compromise are developing.  Frustration tolerance and impulse control are abilities of which elementary students are gradually gaining control. 

 

In our classrooms, we work to guide our students to successfully resolve conflict together. They learn what issues are minor and can be ignored and which issues require problem solving. Helping to see the perspective of others and considering solutions to meet the needs of all involved is how we guide our students toward becoming more independent resolvers of conflict.

 

Bullying is a much more serious (and thankfully more rare) issue that requires intense support from teachers, the principal and parents together.

 

Our staff want to have open dialogue between home and school regarding any concerns.  We welcome contact from families; call or email anytime.