Bullying in schools is a major problem across the country, including in Dallas schools. Many students experience bullying, which can result in depression, anxiety, and even suicide. The good news is that there are steps that schools can take to prevent bullying.
What is bullying?
Bullying is any behavior that is intended to harm or intimidate someone. There are many different forms of bullying, including physical violence, verbal abuse, and social exclusion. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can occur between students of any age.
Bullying can have serious consequences for the victim, including depression, anxiety, and a decrease in academic performance. In severe cases, bullying can even lead to suicide.
What is Guards On Call?
Guards On Call is a program that was created to help prevent bullying in Dallas schools. The program places trained security guards in schools to monitor and intervene in situations where bullying is likely to occur.
The guards are trained to identify signs of bullying, such as verbal aggression or social exclusion, and to intervene before the situation escalates. They also work with teachers and staff to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
How can Guards On Call prevent bullying?
Guards On Call can prevent bullying in a number of ways:
- Monitoring: The guards are present throughout the school day, which makes it more difficult for bullies to victimize other students. They can also monitor areas where bullying is more likely to occur, such as hallways and playgrounds.
- Intervention: If the guards witness bullying, they are trained to intervene immediately. This can prevent the situation from escalating and can help protect the victim from further harm.
- Education: The guards work with teachers and staff to educate students about bullying and its consequences. This can discourage students from engaging in bullying behavior in the first place.
How can schools implement Guards On Call?
Schools can implement Guards On Call by contacting the program directly. Once the school has signed up for the program, guards will be assigned to the school and will begin monitoring for bullying immediately.
The program is designed to be cost-effective, with schools only paying for the guards when they are on duty. This means that schools can implement Guards On Call without breaking their budgets.
Does Guards On Call really work?
There is evidence to suggest that Guards On Call can be effective in preventing bullying. In a pilot program in a Texas school, the presence of guards reduced the number of bullying incidents by 80%.
While Guards On Call is not a panacea for bullying, it can be an effective tool in preventing it. By providing a visible presence in schools and working with teachers and staff, Guards On Call can create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
Conclusion
Bullying is a serious problem in Dallas schools, but it is not inevitable. Programs like Guards On Call can help prevent bullying by providing a visible presence in schools, monitoring for signs of bullying, and intervening when necessary.
If you are concerned about bullying in your child’s school, talk to the school administration about implementing Guards On Call. Together, we can create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.