Sometimes things happen that we're not aware of. Challenger tries to quickly quash bullying, he said. Discipline starts with a parent conference and a behavior contract with the student. Law enforcement may be called in if the problem doesn't stop. The school tries to make it clear that bullying isn't acceptable, and repeatedly reminds students of behavior expectations, Wong said.
Adults watch for any conduct that falls short.
Better adult supervision, training to help teachers and others recognize bullying and lessons on nonviolence are among the best ways to control bullying, said Stephens of the National School Safety Center. At Escondido Union School District campuses, teachers are being trained to resolve conflicts creatively, and include lessons about proper behavior in their classroom instruction. Teachers may use literature or a school conflict to help students learn to handle conflicts. Obviously, prevention is the key.