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Is this a type of bullying and should I be concerned?
I'm new to teaching year sevens and honestly, teacher year ones was easier. There is a group of girls in my class who have been friend scince 2015. One of the girls, from what I see is being excluded now in most activitys, like they will pass notes and not show her, they'll target her in class games and break time games and she'll never be noticed when she is sad. On Monday she came to me for help saying she feels they are gossiping about her, what do I do?




Yes this is definitely a type of bullying, the only thing is there isn't really much you can do except from making that unallowable in your class and tell the girls it won't be tolerated however do be careful as these girls will most likely think she has snitched on them so say you've noticed this happening. Girls are like this try introduced her to a new friend
Thank you all for this advice. I think that you'll be happy to know we have fixed the problem. The girl are now playing in peace.
I think @AnonKeywordKameron's advice on offering a mediated conversation is good. And I think making it really clear you're there for her to talk to is also important. I had kids who were mean to me in school and it really was important to have trusted adults reminding me it wasn't my fault and it would pass.
I also think if the "targeting" behaviour is happening in class, you need to find a way to stop that.
My partner is a teacher and has had situations like this. One story he told was about Kid 1 asking Kid 2 to partner on a project. Kid 2 turned his back and ignored him. My partner very (very) sternly told Kid 2 while he was under no obligation to partner with anyone, he owed Kid 1 the courtesy of a response--and insisted it happen in a clear voice and with his head up.
It's important for students to know teachers can see (and will not tolerate) passive aggressive behaviour. It's important to make it clear the behaviour is noticed and unacceptable for any student (so it's not just about one kid or relationship). It doesn't solve social issues, but it helps keep things civil in class.
Ugh, this is awful. I feel very sad for your singled-out student. It must be so hard for her to come to school.
Thank you all for this advice. I think that you'll be happy to know we have fixed the problem. The girl are now playing in peace.
Hey, that's fantastic news. Thanks for letting me know!
You're new to teaching. Do you have a mentor teacher in the school you can ask for advice? A school chaplain/therapist/counselor you can ask for tips? You can also talk to your principal about this.
This is a tough type of bullying to combat. It's not like when kids were 5 and you say everyone has to get along. They're older, kids don't always get along. But it's still not right for her to be excluded.
I suppose one thing you could do is ask the girl if she would like it for you to mediate a conversation between her and one of her friends (one of the ones she's closer to) about how she feels they're gossiping?
I've been teaching for about 3 years. I tought Year ones until last year when they moved me and I've never had to deal with this kind of stuff. Thank you for your advice and I will use it
Best of luck, I hope it all works out
Thank you all for this advice. I think that you'll be happy to know we have fixed the problem. The girl are now playing in peace.
Thank you all for this advice. I think that you'll be happy to know we have fixed the problem. The girl are now playing in peace.