Interrupting bullying is not only about changing individual actions and behaviours. It also means working toward the transformation of a culture from one that may unconsciously tolerate or even encourage bullying to one that is humane and respectful, where bullying is unable to thrive.
To interrupt bullying we need to find ways of recognizing, challenging and actively countering bullying in all our daily interactions and activities, such as intervening in a bullying situation, developing policies and procedures specifically aimed at bullying prevention, or creating strategies and practices to develop a healthy school culture.
Cultural change, even in a school, happens as a collective phenomenon. To interrupt bullying within a school, all members of the community need to be engaged in the change.
A whole school approach to bullying prevention means developing a range of empowering strategies that affect all levels of school life. It also means involving all members of the school community – students, parents, teachers and administrators – in planning and implementing these strategies. Teachers, students and parents bring varied levels of knowledge and skill to a bullying prevention program. We must work to provide all participants with the resources and help they need to ensure the success of the program and a consequent reduction in bullying.