School bullying, what is it?

This article shows us how systemic approaches help us understand and combat harassment? What training for teachers?

School bullying: definitions

Bullying, a term often heard in the field of education, raises many concerns among parents, educators and students. School bullying refers to acts of aggression, intimidation or marginalization which are repeated and directed against a student by one or more of his classmates. These behaviors can manifest themselves in several forms. For example, they can be verbal, such as teasing or insults. They can also be physical, such as hitting or pushing. Other common forms of harassment include social exclusion and cyberbullying, where aggression occurs online. Let's take the example of Emma, a 5th grade student, who is constantly mocked for her weight by a group of girls. These same girls also set up a fake account on a social network to broadcast humiliating images of Emma.

School bullying in the legislation: A clear definition to protect victims

School bullying is a scourge that plagues many educational establishments around the world. Recognizing the seriousness and devastating impact of this problem, many jurisdictions have incorporated specific provisions into their legislation to combat bullying in schools. This article aims to clarify the definition of school bullying as it is enshrined in law and to highlight the legal implications that arise from it.

The legal definition of school harassment

Most legislation defines school bullying as a set of repeated actions having the aim or effect of deteriorating the living conditions of the victim. These acts can cause serious consequences for the victim: deterioration of their mental or physical health, alteration of their academic results or even social isolation.

These repeated actions include a variety of behaviors, such as insults and mockery, threats or acts of physical violence, voluntary isolation of a person, rumors or defamation, acts of cyberharassment.

It is crucial to note that the notion of repetition is central to this definition. An isolated act, however malicious it may be, does not legally constitute school harassment. However, he may still be sanctioned under other legal provisions.

The implications of this definition

Recognition of school bullying in legislation ensures the protection of victims and regulates sanctions against perpetrators.

Protection of victims : Once harassment has been identified, the victim benefits from enhanced legal protection. This protection can be manifested through protection orders, psychological support procedures or even changes of establishment.
Sanctions for perpetrators : Depending on the seriousness of the acts and the age of the perpetrator, sanctions can range from educational measures (mediation, awareness raising, etc.) to more severe disciplinary sanctions such as expulsion. In the most serious cases, criminal proceedings may be initiated.
Responsibility of establishments : The law also imposes responsibility on educational establishments. They must put in place preventive and reactive measures to combat harassment. In the event of failure to comply with this obligation, the establishment could be held responsible.

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Cyberbullying, what is it?

In the digital age, our modes of communication and interaction have undergone a radical transformation, giving rise to new opportunities, but also challenges. One of the most concerning among these challenges is cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying, or online harassment, manifests itself through acts of harassment deployed across digital platforms. It can take various forms, from text messages to comments, images or videos. Its immaterial nature gives it an omnipresent potential, being able to affect the victim anywhere, at any time.

What particularly distinguishes cyberbullying from traditional harassment is the ability of attackers to remain anonymous. This hiding behind screens can not only reinforce their boldness, but also distance them from responsibility for their actions. Additionally, the speed at which information spreads online makes cyberbullying particularly harmful. Once information is shared on the Internet, it is often difficult to remove it or control its dissemination.

The impact of cyberbullying on victims is profound. Beyond the immediate trauma, it can cause long-term consequences, such as isolation, anxiety, depression and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.

Preventing cyberbullying relies largely on education and awareness. It is essential to inform and train young people, but also adults, about the risks of the Internet and social networks. It is equally crucial to encourage dialogue between parents and children, as well as between students and teachers. Mastering the platforms' privacy settings is another essential step in protecting yourself.

How to combat school bullying with systemic approaches?

But then, where does systemic therapy fit into all this? In this approach, individual problems are seen as linked to interactions within a larger system. Thus, school bullying is not simply a matter between an aggressor and a victim. It arises from a broader dynamic involving not only the students concerned, but also the school, the family and society as a whole.

This global perspective is essential because it allows us to have a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. Instead of only targeting the bully or the victim, it pushes us to examine the environment in which the harassment occurs. Bystander reactions, school policies, or family issues can all influence bullying.

Furthermore, once we understand the different elements of the system, it becomes possible to develop appropriate intervention strategies. In Emma's case, this could mean mediation with the group of girls, awareness sessions for students, specific support for Emma and her parents, and an initiative to combat cyberbullying within the school.

School bullying is a complex issue that deserves in-depth attention and understanding. Through systemic therapy, we have a framework that allows us to see beyond the surface and work toward inclusive and sustainable solutions.

Is there training in the systemic approach for teachers to support cases of bullying at school?

From February 2024, teachers, school professors and all those involved in the world of education (parents, psychologists, nurses, educators, association leaders, etc.) will be able to follow the new DU Strategic Systemic Approach for Education ( ASSED) set up by the University of Paris 8 and LACT. Delivered by specialists in the systemic approach in the education sector, this training allows you to acquire the tools of the systemic and strategic approach to solving psychological and relational problems. This approach is particularly effective in the fields of education and makes it possible to identify and stop the dysfunctional processes which often take place between the child and his environment (at school and/or at home), maintain or aggravate a situation that is often paralyzed within a rigid framework. It makes it possible to deal with problems such as school bullying, difficult situations with atypical children, to avoid dropping out of school and the onset of psychological disorders in the child but also in the accompanying person, who, faced with their inability to act, can lose confidence and sink into depression or burnout. This course addresses the management of conflict situations but also certain disorders such as attention disorders, DYS, hyper, ASD, ADHD, as well as disorders affecting teachers, depression, burnout, loss of self-confidence, etc.

Who is the DU University Paris 8 /Lact Strategic Systemic Approach to Education for?

This training is aimed at people wishing to strengthen and diversify their skills as stakeholders in the world of education (teachers, school leaders, parents of students, association leaders, sports association staff, school psychologists , guidance counselors, school mediators, doctors,

nurses, psychotherapists, educators, police officers, SPIP, justice assistants, child protection personnel, etc.).