Need tips to stop bullying in your children’s ministry? Consider these seven practical steps to thwart bullying. Learn how to build a caring community at your church.
While schools have come under scrutiny for violent incidents, churches often feel exempt from dealing with bullying. Church is supposed to be a safe place, right? But the truth is that bullying happens wherever kids are.
As a children’s minister, you can take concrete steps to stop bullying. In the process, you can build a caring community among the children you shepherd. Here’s how…
7 Ways to Stop Bullying
1. Don’t minimize or disregard instances of bullying.
Whether a child or adult reports the bullying, take it seriously. Don’t indulge in looking the other way and thinking “kids will be kids.”
2. Put in place no-nonsense anti-bullying procedures.
Your classroom code should be that every child is valuable and unique, and no child will be left out or hurt. Create a zero-tolerance atmosphere that says, “No bullying allowed!”
3. Don’t resolve the situation yourself.
Doing so only reassures the bully that his or her target is weak.
4. Don’t tell the target to avoid the bully.
This doesn’t solve the problem. It’s only a superficial, temporary fix.
5. Don’t confront the bully or the bully’s parents alone.
Bullying is often a learned behavior. During a confrontation, the bully or his or her family may demean you. So have a backup at the meeting.
