Controlling Bullying Important for Student Well-Being

by Stephen Dunmore

President, Sodexo Education – Schools
Sodexo, Inc.

In my role as president for Sodexo Education-Schools, I have the privilege of overseeing our work improving student well-being and achievement at close to 500 schools districts nationwide. One of my goals is to help schools improve the learning environment; to do this everything we do must be focused on students and their well-being. Educators, administrators and parents know that student achievement is linked to a child’s well-being. Students perform best when their needs are met. One of the most important needs is emotional well-being. In today’s world there are too many factors that can affect emotional well-being; one of the most concerning is destructive bullying. This is why we must continue to monitor bullying and the effects it has on children and also assess why it is happening.

According to a recent study, The Impact of School Bullying on Racial/Ethnic Achievement, presented at the American Sociological Association’s 106th annual meeting, high achieving African Americans and Hispanics are often targets of bullying, causing their GPA to drop an average of 0.3 to 0.5 respectively between ninth and twelfth grade. This alarming statistic demonstrates how the ramifications of bullying can be long-lasting and affect a victim’s ability to attendcollege due to lower grades and limit their career choices. The continuing challenge is how to identify and control bullying. With an increasing trend in cyberbullying, it has become more difficult for adults on the frontlines, (teachers, school counselors, principals, administrators and student nutrition team members) to witness or find evidence of bullying. While cyberbullying may not be as visible as bullying that turns physical, the psychological damage can be even more devastating.

To work toward a solution, we must engage and constantly communicate with children. Showing that we care will open up the lines of communication. We must be good listeners and learn to read body language. We can’t be afraid to have a conversation about bullying with them and ask direct questions about their activities and social life. The more we become involved, the easier it will be to identify behavior that is not typical.

To stop bullying in schools, we all need to get involved by reporting abuse, educating students, and providing support to victims. At Sodexo, we continue to evaluate this ongoing challenge and how we can make a difference. Last January, 200 student nutrition program mangers received training on identifying behaviors and issues that arise in lunchrooms. We plan to expand this program as part of our continued commitment to the well-being of the students we serve across the country. It is just one way we hope to make a difference and help these children achieve their highest potential in life. Join us and become part of the solution. I encourage you to think about what you or your company can do to help prevent bullying.